2021 Board & New Program Announced by Charitable Gift Planners of Southwest Florida

January 27, 2021 – Sarasota/Manatee

The Charitable Gift Planners of Southwest Florida, an organization dedicated to promoting philanthropy in the Sarasota-Manatee region, has announced its 2021 board of directors.

The executive committee of the board of directors is comprised of President Elizabeth Rabbitt Stephen of SunTrust now Truist, Vice President Kathy Jordan of WUSF Public Media, Treasurer Melodie Rich of Mauldin & Jenkins, Secretary Kimberly Bleach of Bank of America Private Bank and immediate Past President Betsy Pennewill of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

New board members Lee Ann Rodriguez of Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and Declan Sheehy of New College Foundation join returning members of the board this year: Susie Bowie (Manatee Community Foundation), Susan Brennan (PNC Wealth Management), Richard Gans (Fergeson Skipper), Barbara Jones (Kerkering Barberio), Ronald Koepsel (Sabal Trust), James Tollerton (Professional Benefits Incorporated), Jocelyn Udell (Sarasota Orchestra), Daniel Vigne (Northern Trust) and Tom Waters (Easterseals Southwest Florida). The 2021 board members will serve through Dec. 30, 2021, as the organization continues to provide the latest information to professionals, giving members and guest attendees the knowledge to initiate meaningful impact for their clients and organizational missions.

“This past year has been trying on many fronts given the challenges surrounding the pandemic, but our members – philanthropy professionals, attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, and trust officers – have remained connected and dedicated to serving clients’ and nonprofits’ ever-changing needs,” explained Stephen. “Together we seek to increase the quality, as well as the quantity, of charitable gifts by serving as a resource for the philanthropic communities of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.”

Educational programs explore the latest charitable giving vehicles and techniques, provide updates on current tax laws that affect philanthropy and offer networking opportunities.

The organization’s next educational event will be Planned Giving 301: Case Studies & Conversation, scheduled virtually via Zoom at noon on Feb. 24, 2021. This program is open to non-members for $15 per guest and free for Charitable Gift Planners of Southwest Florida members. 

To learn more about upcoming programs and membership, visit charitablegiftplannersswfl.org.