Sam Valentin

Director of Marketing and Events
at Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast

Born and raised in Sarasota, Sam Valentin joined the team at Conservation Foundation in 2018 after working in marketing and community engagement for Goodwill Manasota. After working in healthcare throughout college, she had an aha moment when she realized a non-profit organization was where she could truly make a difference in her community. 

“I really enjoyed working at Goodwill, but I wasn’t completely connected to the mission. I realized I needed to find an organization that connects with my heart and things I really care about,” says Sam.

Sam began volunteering for Conservation Foundation and joined a committee dedicated to organizing their annual free Wild About Nature festival. The stars aligned and a job in special events popped up a few months later, which she immediately applied to and was hired. 

Three years later, she accepted a different position as the Marketing and Communications Manager, going back into her specialized field. In 2023, Conservation Foundation promoted her to Director of Marketing and Events, where she now oversees both areas for the organization. 

“I love being outside and everything about nature,” explains Sam. “Conservation Foundation’s mission is perfect for me in that aspect of connecting people to the outdoors and protecting these special places before they’re gone. I get to utilize my skills for something that is going to have an impact well beyond my lifetime.”

Conservation Foundation protects land and water for the benefit of people and nature. Their vital work strengthens Southwest Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, protects water quality, ensures wildlife have the space they need to thrive, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Since its inception, Conservation Foundation has protected over 20,000 acres across the five counties they serve.

Text by Tom Reese | Photo by Nancy Guth

400 Palmetto Ave, Osprey, FL 34229
941.918.2100
sam@conservationfoundation.com
conservationfoundation.com