Partners in Philanthropy: Susan and Zuheir Sofia

By Scott Ferguson | Photo by Nancy Guth | December 2024

Susan Sofia believes strongly that philanthropy can help individuals, organizations and communities realize their full potential. She and her husband, Zuheir, have personally lived that philosophy for decades, giving generously of their time, talent and treasure in Sarasota County, and before that, in Columbus, Ohio, where they lived for 50 years and raised their children, Sarah, Joseph and Zachary.  

“Just as everyone gets help along the way from their parents, teachers and other people, allowing them to become their best selves,” says Susan, “philanthropy and volunteering can also help communities become their best selves.”

Through their philanthropic efforts in Columbus and Sarasota, Susan and Zuheir have helped advance the causes of healthcare, education, the arts, gardening and conservation, among others.  

As a member of the Board of Directors of Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) since 2017, Susan speaks highly of their ability to zero in on the needs of people in the community.

“It’s been wonderful to be associated with Gulf Coast. Their work amplifies what I can accomplish as an individual. Gulf Coast does a great job helping people immediately connect to projects and organizations that reflect their experience, expertise and interest. They get you right into the game and you can accomplish what you want to accomplish much more quickly than if you did it by yourself.”

Susan says that before hurricanes Helene and Milton hit, Gulf Coast Community Foundation staff had already done the groundwork to begin to help the community recover. Through the Rapid Response Initiative, they made a grant seven hours before Hurricane Milton hit land.

“I just can’t say enough good things about what they do,” she emphasizes. “They’re constantly reevaluating situations, because the tools needed to solve problems like hurricane recovery and affordable housing change over time. They build coalitions with other organizations, which I think is powerful. They give government agencies information to help them make better policy, which I think is a great way to leverage philanthropy.”

The feeling is certainly mutual. 

“Susan and Zuheir Sofia are true philanthropists, dedicated to causes that resonate deeply with them and driven by a desire to make a lasting impact. I have had the honor of seeing that impact firsthand,” shared Gulf Coast’s Philanthropic Advisor Lauren Hersh. “Their trust in Gulf Coast as their philanthropic partner means that they join alongside us to move initiatives forward, leaving a legacy of supporting thriving communities with opportunities for all.”

Susan and Zuheir met while they worked in the banking industry in Charlotte, N.C., before they moved to Columbus. They both had an interest in education, and it became a strong focus of their philanthropy. 

Susan graduated from Salem College in Winston Salem, North Carolina with a B.A. in French. She did graduate work at The Ohio State University to complete a degree in English and Education.

In Ohio, Susan taught English and French in the Columbus Public Schools. She served on the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board and the Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden Foundation Board. She is the past Chair of The Ohio Arts Council Board; Marburn Academy, a school for students with learning differences; TWIG III of Nationwide Children’s Hospital; and Little Garden Club of Columbus. She was active with many other community organizations, including The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board, the Board of BalletMet, the Central Ohio Lung Association, Columbus School for Girls, the Columbus Academy and the Boy Scouts of America. 

In Sarasota, Susan serves on the Board of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. She is also a member of Selby Gardens’ Advisory Committee. She previously served on the boards of the Sarasota Orchestra and the Young Presidents’ Organization’s Florida Sun Coast Gold Chapter.

Zuheir earned a B.S. degree in Economics and Business Administration from Western Kentucky University in 1969. He earned an M.A. degree in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and is a graduate of The Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University, where his thesis received the distinction of being selected a “Library Thesis” and was placed in the libraries of the American Bankers Association, Harvard Graduate School of Business, and Rutgers University.  

A successful businessman and entrepreneur, he is the Managing Member and President of SE&W Florida Consulting, LLC, and Senior Advisor of Elizabeth Park Capital Management. He is the former Chairman, President, and CEO of Business Bank of Florida Corp., which was acquired by Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida in January of 2022. Prior to forming his own company, Sofia & Company in 1998, he was President and COO of Huntington Bancshares, which is now a $201 billion bank holding company. 

He is the former Chairman of The Ohio State University Board of Trustees and the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, and served on the Boards of The Ohio State University Medical Center, and the OSU Foundation, Medical Center and College of Arts & Sciences. He was Chair of the Board of Directors of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and is an honorary trustee for life, a founding member and former Chairman of the Columbus Council on World Affairs, Columbus School for Girls, and the Columbus Young Presidents’ Organization Chapter. He also served on Western Kentucky University Foundation and Board of Advisors, and several public boards including Lancaster Colony Corporation.

Both Susan and Zuheir have published books. Susan chaired the Cookbook Committee for the Junior League of Columbus to publish America Discovers Columbus. Zuheir wrote External Debt of Developing Countries: Its Application to Country Risk Analysis.

Why did they choose Sarasota after so many years in Columbus?

“We used to come down to Florida with our kids when they were on spring break from school, and we loved it,” Susan says. “The arts and culture here in Sarasota appealed to us. So we chose this community as our new home. We’re thrilled to be here.”

In Sarasota, Zuheir and Susan consider themselves partners in philanthropy. Together they fund scholarships for international students at Ringling College of Art & Design, support Selby Gardens, the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, All Faiths Food Bank, and the Ringling Museum. 

“I’m on the Advisory Board at Selby Gardens,” says Susan, “but that’s a big interest for both of us. Selby is phenomenal. What they’ve done has made such a difference; they’ve worked hard with the city to have a positive outcome that’s good for everyone. It’s a real gem for the city of Sarasota. It has incorporated the arts in their living museum model, and is dedicated to conservation and clean water and the science of botany. It appeals to us on so many levels.”

The couple also supports the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. 

“We have an older demographic here in Sarasota, but it’s important for the whole community to have access to good healthcare. They do a great job of educating the public and donors about the need.”

What brings it all together for the Sofias and helps them see the big picture is Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “We’re so lucky to have former Ohioan Phillip Lanham as our President and CEO,” Susan says. The Sofias believe Lanham, who was chosen to lead the Foundation last year after serving as Chief Philanthropy Officer of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, is another example of a leader dedicated to nurturing a spirit of philanthropy in the community.

“One of the great things about Sarasota County is that people come here year after year with the skills, interests and expertise they’ve developed over a lifetime, as well as financial resources they are eager to share,” Susan says with enthusiasm. “There is a constant influx of new ideas and people who are willing to contribute to causes they believe in. Their volunteer work and donations — large and small — are making an incredible difference in our community.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Gulf Coast Community Foundation visit GulfCoastCF.org or call the Philanthropy Center at 941.777.1270.