Prominent Sarasota community foundation names new president, CEO

The news comes less than a year following the current CEO announcing retirement plans.

By Business Observer Staff
| 3:45 p.m. April 11, 2023
| 2 Free Articles Remaining!

Phillip Lanham will assume the role June 1.

Manatee-Sarasota

Phillip Lanham, the chief philanthropy officer at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, has been named the new president and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation — one of the more prominent nonprofit leadership roles in the Sarasota-Manatee region.

Lanham will assume the role June 1, according to a statement. The hire, to replace CEO Mark Pritchett, who announced last year he planned to retire in 2023, comes after a national search, the release adds. The announcement was made April 11.

Lanham has been with the Greater Cincinnati Foundation for nearly 12 years.

“Phillip brings the right blend of intellect, creativity, and bold strategic focus to complement and advance Gulf Coast’s culture of excellence and commitment to our community,” Gulf Coast Community Foundation Chair David Green says in the press release. “As a dedicated and passionate leader with a proven track record of delivering bold and proactive initiatives, we could not be more optimistic for the future of Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the impact Phillip will make.”

Pritchett announced retirement plans last July after 14 years with the Venice-based organization. Pritchett is set to officially retire in late spring, staying on to help with the transition as much as is needed.

“I could not be more confident and thrilled to welcome Phillip as the next president (and) CEO at Gulf Coast,” Pritchett says in the statement. “His business and philanthropy background is a perfect fit for this region and our organization.”

Lanham will relocate to Sarasota County in May, the release states. “I feel fortunate to join a bold, proactive team that works passionately to ensure we have a strong, positive impact on our region,” Lanham says.

The foundation, headquartered in Venice, has a second office in downtown Sarasota. It’s been active in the community for over 25 years and currently handles $510 million in charitable funds for families, individuals, businesses and organizations. It was created in 1995 through the sale of the Venice Hospital. By the end of 2021 its assets had grown to $441.09 million.