Roxie Jerde

President/CEO at Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Celebrating 10 years as President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Roxie Jerde is leading a new standard for philanthropic giving in our region. Over the last decade, her tenure of leadership has seen more than $265 million in grants invested in the community, guided by a belief that anyone can “be the one” to make a difference, today and in the future.

Roxie attributes the success of the Community Foundation to one key practice: listening. She explains, “The core of our work is to understand donors’ passions and then translate that passion into meaningful support for our community’s needs.” 

Over the last decade, Roxie has built upon a well-established tradition to empower donors to ignite change through causes they care about, supporting the work of nonprofit partners. Through tried-and-true charitable giving opportunities, the Community Foundation pivoted throughout the pandemic to unite those able to help with those needing help—many for the first time. Trusted platforms like Season of Sharing and the Giving Challenge inspired generosity during an unprecedented time. “Having effective models for giving in place made us responsive during crisis and cultivated hope,” she says.

Ever forward-thinking, Roxie is focused on how the foundation can evolve to better serve the community. “By deepening our understanding of inequities, we can be a dependable ally for all who call our region home.” In 2021, the foundation established its Knowledge and Equity Department, an expansion that Roxie says is a new horizon in philanthropy.

“It brings me incredible joy that I have the opportunity to connect with so many people and share in the ‘aha’ moments in their lives,” says Roxie. “Together we truly are building a community where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.” 

Roxie Jerde
President/CEO
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
2635 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota FL 34237
(941) 955-3000
roxie@cfsarasota.org
cfsarasota.org