Foundation names new communications executive

SARASOTA — The Community Foundation of Sarasota County named Mischa Kirby vice president of strategic communications and marketing. 

Kirby will start in her new role Oct. 1. 

Most recently, Kirby was vice president for external relations at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. She has 20 years of communications experience in journalism, tourism marketing and nonprofit management.

According to a press release, the newly-created position will include developing and implementing the foundation's communications strategy and marketing across a variety of audiences and demonstrating the impact made through donors and initiatives. 

"With Mischa’s terrific strategic communications and marketing skills, she will effectively share the impact our donors are having in our region through their philanthropy," says Community Foundation of Sarasota County President and CEO Roxie Jerde in the statement. "Her many talents have contributed to the success of valued organizations in our region and we’re excited she will now be able to apply her skills to our greater community and beyond through her work at the Community Foundation."

The Community Foundation was founded in 1979. It has assets of over $333 million in more than 1,300 charitable funds. Last year, the foundation awarded $33 million in grants and scholarships in education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and the environment.