The Patterson Foundation Hires Cheri Coryea as Initiative Consultant

April 9, 2021 – Sarasota

The Patterson Foundation has hired Cheri Coryea to serve as an Initiative Consultant. In her role, she will collaborate with the Foundation’s staff members and other consultants on three initiatives strengthening individuals, organizations and communities across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. 

Cheri has spent more than 30 years of her life serving the people of Manatee County. Highly regarded as a trusted and effective relationship builder among all aspects of the community, she spent the bulk of her public sector work in the Human Services and Community Services fields. For much of her career, she conducted research and analysis on homelessness, housing, mental health, early childhood education, aging services and more as the Human Services Division Manager with Manatee County. Cheri went on to become the first Director of the Neighborhood Services Department where she oversaw economic development, community development, neighborhood planning and other divisions. Most recently, she served as Manatee County Administrator, where she built the Manatee Millennial Movement (M3), increasing the millennial workforce from 17 to 27 percent in four years. 

“For decades, Cheri has worked tirelessly for and with the people of Manatee County,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Her knowledge of the realities faced by people and organizations along with her heart for possibilities aligns with The Patterson Foundation’s mission of strengthening individuals, organizations and communities.”

A small, agile staff complements The Patterson Foundation’s collaborative approach to philanthropy, while a larger group of consultants strengthens its work by providing strategic expertise. This team approach enables the Foundation to be flexible and engage subject-matter experts who enhance the unique work of each initiative. 

“Focusing on mutual aspirations that strengthen people, organizations and communities is the type of work that lights up my soul,” said Coryea.

Cheri will be working directly with The Patterson Foundation’s Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Digital Access for All and Suncoast Villages initiatives. The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is a community-wide effort to help children from birth through third grade, especially those from asset-limited families, read on grade level. Digital Access for All is an initiative that strives to enhance access to technology that connects people in ways that foster inclusion and well-being. Suncoast Villages is designed to support and empower older adults in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties to live vibrant, purposeful lives.

For more information about The Patterson Foundation’s initiatives, please visit: www.thepattersonfoundation.org.