The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) is pleased to announce the hiring of Kate Mulligan as its executive director. Mulligan begins her new role on September 3. Mark Clark, board chair of LWRCF, said “The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is delighted that Kate has accepted the position of executive director. Her passion for people and for the vision and mission of the organization was clear throughout the hiring process. She is already a key player in the community, and we are excited for our future with Kate’s leadership. Her qualifications are matched equally with her desire to make a lasting impact in the region.” Most recently, Mulligan was the general manager for ensembleNEWSRQ, where she managed all administrative aspects of the organization’s concert series and their fundraising events. Prior to that, she was the executive director of Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey and of Trenton Children’s Chorus, also in New Jersey. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music and nonprofit management from Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and a master’s degree in business administration from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  Mulligan stated, “I am thrilled to lead an organization that has such a positive effect on the Lakewood Ranch community by helping local nonprofits achieve their missions. It is an amazing opportunity. I want to Open the Door… to the Lakewood Ranch community to help amplify the impact of their giving, and to local nonprofits so that they can more effectively achieve their missions.”  Mulligan’s goals for her first 90 days are to strengthen existing partnerships with donors, nonprofits, and members of the community; increase awareness and donations through events and sponsorships; and enact the board of director’s plan for growth and continued sustainability for the future. For more information about the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, visit www.LWRCF.org or call 941-208-6799.