St. Pete foundation names former deputy mayor its new CEO

The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg has named Kanika Tomalin president and CEO, after a nationwide search and an extensive community outreach where over 175 people weighed in. 

A 2014 Business Observer 40 under 40 winner, Tomalin is expected to officially step into the role in mid-June.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Tomalin will lend her tremendous experience and expertise to lead this organization into its next chapter,” Donna Petersen, chair of the Foundation’s board of trustees, says in a release. “Our community faces tremendous challenges but is also poised to seize opportunities. 

“Dr. Tomalin’s deep commitment, long-standing relationships and record of trajectory-shifting outcomes made her our clear choice. Her leadership will reinforce our commitment to achieve racial and health equity.”  

Currently, Tomalin is the COO and vice president for strategy at Eckerd College, a liberal arts school in St. Petersburg. She formerly served as deputy mayor for the city of St. Petersburg, and was the city administrator. 

According to the release, Tomalin was instrumental in the foundation’s creation while she was the vice president of strategic planning and public affairs for the Bayfront Health St. Petersburg System. The foundation was formed in 2013 after the sale of nonprofit Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. 

Since then, FHSP has donated millions of dollars to local organizations, formed strategic partnerships with organizations that align with its goals and created the Center for Health Equity, a community center in St. Petersburg. The private foundation is tasked with "advancing the equity movement," according to its website. 

It reported having $152.65 million in assets at the end of the year in 2019, according to GuideStar, a nonprofit data website. 

“I am deeply committed to the mission, purpose and possibilities for the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and I am excited to lead this talented team,” Tomalin says. “It is a continuation of my life’s work to create a healthier, more equitable community.”