Prominent Southwest Florida nonprofit CEO to leave position

One of the most prominent nonprofit executives in Southwest Florida, Sarah Owen, is stepping down from her positions as president and CEO of Collaboratory, the leading community foundation in Fort Myers.

Owen has been at the helm of the organization, formerly known as the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, since 2011, according to a statement. She will work with the Collaboratory board and a search committee on the transition to new leadership over the next few months, the release adds. Owen plans to focus on her family and a new professional opportunity after she leaves the organization. 

“We will forever be grateful for Sarah’s vision, expertise, professionalism and leadership in transforming Southwest Florida’s leading giving institution into a place where bold ideas are nurtured and supported,” Collaboratory Board Chair Aysegul Timur, vice president and vice provost, strategy and program innovation at FGCU, says in the statement. “She is leaving Collaboratory in excellent hands for its next chapter.”