Community Foundation names senior vice president

Mike Kennedy, a longtime community leader in the Bradenton area, including a stint heading up Florida operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been named senior vice president of community investment for the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Kennedy will begin in his new role Oct. 4, according to a statement. Kennedy’s role includes developing and implementing the foundation's overall community investment grant strategy.

"We are excited to have Mike’s perspective and leadership skills on our team," Community Foundation of Sarasota County President and CEO said Roxie Jerde says in the release. "Mike has a long background of building key-relationships to advance his organizations’ missions and create better communities for all. With his talents and skills, I am confident he will effectively advance our mission of creating community impact powered by philanthropy."

In addition to his role with the Pirates, Kennedy has been the executive director of the Downtown Bradenton Development Authority and president and CEO of Suncoast Community Capital.  He most recently held the position of director of discipleship at Harvest United Methodist Church in Lakewood Ranch. 

“I am thrilled to join the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s amazing team, which is well-known for its compassion, dedication and excellence in partnering with donors to create lasting community impact,” Kennedy says in the statement.