Research-based nonprofit names new director of development

SARASOTA — Mote Marine Laboratory has hired Andria Piekarz as its new director of development. 

According to a press release, Piekarz has been director of philanthropy for the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast since 2014. She has more than 10 years of nonprofit fundraising experience in the region.

In her role at Mote, Piekarz succeeds Erin Kabinoff. Piekarz will lead philanthropy growth for Mote science and education initiatives. As an independent, nonprofit research institution, philanthropic giving accounted for 40% of the funding for Mote’s Research Division in the past year, the release adds. 

“Andria will be instrumental in helping to strengthen Mote for our next phase of significant growth in marine research, technology development and science education impacts that are essential for addressing the grand challenges facing the continued sustainability of our oceans at home and around the world," says Mote President and CEO Michael Crosby in the statement.