Barancik Foundation’s Romanoff Selected for “Change Leaders in Philanthropy” Fellowship

February 28, 2024 – Sarasota

Kelly Romanoff, senior vice president for strategy and evaluation at Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, has been selected as a 2023-24 Change Leaders in Philanthropy Fellow.  The fellowship is a program of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO), an international membership organization of more than 5,000 funders committed to transforming the practice and culture of philanthropy to help nonprofits and communities thrive.

The Change Leaders in Philanthropy Fellowship is a nearly year-long peer-learning program for senior executives responsible for key change efforts within their organizations.  Romanoff is one of 20 leaders across the sector who were chosen for the 2023-24 program.

“This learning opportunity for Kelly will help us evolve our strategies at Barancik Foundation to make the most meaningful difference we can in the community,” said Teri A Hansen, president and CEO of Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.  “Because we do everything in such close collaboration with our nonprofit partners, improving our approach to philanthropy will directly benefit our partners and the community.”

At Barancik Foundation, Romanoff manages a portfolio of initiatives and grants and leads the Foundation’s efforts to assess and learn from its work in order to inform future funding decisions and strategic direction.  She has led the creation and development of several major regional initiatives, including First 1,000 Days Suncoast, which is a network of accessible services for vulnerable families during and immediately following pregnancy.

“I’m eager to learn from my peers as well as push myself as we strive to create the best conditions for nonprofit success in Sarasota,” said Romanoff.  “I’m fortunate to work directly with so many great organizations every day, and this Fellowship will add to the knowledge and resources we can bring to bear on complex community issues.”

Romanoff has been participating in small-group activities for two months in advance of the formal fellowship program, which runs from March through September.  This is the sixth cohort of GEO’s Change Leaders in Philanthropy Fellowship.