Step Up Suncoast Announces New President & CEO

July 14, 2021 – Sarasota

The Board of Directors of Step Up Suncoast has selected Amy Yount Tittle as the agency’s next President and CEO. The appointment was unanimously approved on June 24 during Step Up Suncoast’s Annual Board of Directors meeting. Ms. Yount Tittle will replace retiring President and CEO Barbara Patten on September 1.

“Amy has a deep commitment to the mission of Community Action and to those who work every day to help people change their lives,” said Patten. “She has demonstrated over the years her respect and appreciation for the talents of our Step Up Suncoast staff. Amy will lead with vision, kindness, passion and integrity.” 

The Board chose Yount Tittle to lead the organization after conducting a nationwide search, which yielded a mix of out-of-state, Florida-based and internal candidates. Yount Tittle has been part of the organization for over nineteen years, most recently as the agency’s CFO. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration-Accountancy, an M.B.A. in Executive Leadership, and is a Certified Public Accountant. Additionally, Yount Tittle holds the prestigious Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) credential.  

“Step Up Suncoast is an outstanding not-for-profit organization that provides critical services to the people of Manatee, Hardee, Desoto, Sarasota and Charlotte counties,” said Yount Tittle. “My focus as President and CEO of Step Up Suncoast will be to build upon our foundation of excellence throughout our business operations to further strengthen and grow our organization in order to optimize outcomes for the benefit of our clients, employees and community.” 

“The Board selected Amy based on her financial expertise as a CPA, her institutional knowledge of Step Up Suncoast as our long-serving CFO, her credentials as a Certified Community Action Professional and her ability to lead a large, diverse organization through empowering employees and our clients, with respect and dignity,” said Board President Charlie Kennedy. 

About Step Up Suncoast  

Incorporated in 1968, Step Up Suncoast provides services to over 12,000 individuals annually across five counties. With a budget of just over $20 million, our work allows us to assist low-income families with both crisis services and various programs centered around early childhood development. Our mission is focused on holistic programs to break the multigenerational cycle of poverty through education, support services, and community partnerships. For more information, visit StepUpSuncoast.org.