This month, I am excited to welcome Erin Minor as our new Vice President of Community Leadership at Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast). Erin’s values align deeply with our mission, and she brings a wealth of experience advocating for our community. For decades, she has amplified the voices of individuals facing homelessness, a substance abuse disorder, and food insecurity through her leadership at Harvest House. Now, she will bring that same passion and expertise to Gulf Coast, helping to elevate our nonprofit partners and expand our impact across the region.

I recently explored the theme of amplifying voices at the Florida Philanthropic Network’s (FPN) statewide summit, Amplifying Voices — Philanthropy's Role in Florida's Future. FPN is a statewide membership network dedicated to strengthening philanthropy for a better Florida. The annual summit brings grantmakers and nonprofits together to exchange ideas, share stories, and empower one another.

The sessions covered a wide range of topics, from impact investing to philanthropic strategies to promoting nonprofit resilience and wellness. Allegany Franciscan Ministries and their partner, Maven Leadership Collective (Maven), began their session on wellness and resilience by asking us to reflect on a “moment of delight” we had recently experienced at work. One leader shared her moment of delight was a low country boil she organized for her team after weeks of intense work following the recent hurricanes. Research confirms burnout in the nonprofit sector is a significant issue; 95% of nonprofit leaders surveyed by the Center for Effective Philanthropy identified employee burnout as a “top concern.” Corey Davis, Founder & Creative Director of Maven, encouraged funders in the room to “walk the talk.” By fostering a culture of wellness and resilience, both funders and nonprofits can create sustainable, thriving organizations that better serve their communities.

I had the opportunity to speak on a panel titled Leadership Change: From Fear to Opportunity as You and Grantees Move Beyond the “Succession Plan.” I reflected on my experience as a relatively new CEO, the leadership transitions I’ve navigated in my career, and the best practices that support successful succession planning. Our discussion focused on breaking down the barriers that often prevent organizations from engaging in succession planning, embracing leadership transitions as opportunities for growth, and the critical role foundation leaders play in guiding these conversations within their organizations and with their nonprofit partners. We explored real-world examples of leadership transitions—both planned and unexpected—and how organizations can shift their approach from reactive to proactive, ensuring long-term stability and impact.

The summit's final day began with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled Investing in Equity. We heard from Julie Rocco, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg’s Senior Director of Grants Management and Administration, who shared, “It is our responsibility to let people know we want you to partner with us and remove all barriers to ensure all people feel a sense of belonging.” Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, Executive Director of Hope CommUnity Center in Orlando, has overcome much adversity in his life. He shared, “When you are your full authentic self, you are in your full power.” By showing up as an authentic leader, he empowers his community to assist those suffering the effects of injustice and the strength to stand in solidarity with people learning to advocate for themselves.

The power of amplifying voices is essential to shaping a bolder, brighter future. By uplifting diverse perspectives, fostering curiosity, and strengthening community, we can continue to drive meaningful transformation. Together, we will make our region a beacon of excellence and opportunity for all.

Phillip P. Lanham is President | CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. 

Photo courtesy of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota’s (SCF) music program is proudly number one in the state!

Each year, we host a wide variety of concerts, recitals, masterclasses, and events in our state-of-the-art facilities, including the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center and the SCF Recital Hall. These performances feature our award-winning students and offer unique experiential learning opportunities. Attendees praise our students and faculty for their productions noting that you would never know these are student performers. Hence, we titled our season program, “Hearing is Believing.”

In addition to the events held at the College, students perform at community events and at state competitions as an individual performer or within ensembles. Our ensembles include a concert and chamber choir, symphonic band, jazz combo and guitar, jazz, and music theatre ensembles. Students are also afforded the opportunity to collaborate with experienced musicians as part of the SCF Bradenton Symphony Orchestra. One-on-one lessons with SCF music faculty, known as applied music courses, are a cornerstone of the SCF music program.

Many of our music graduates have remained local as music teachers and directors within our school system. You might also be receiving private music lessons, therapy or having your piano tuned by one of our alums.

Other notable alumni include Bobby Brader, film/television and music theatre composer, orchestrator, pianist, and music director; Grammy award-winning pianist/songwriter and content creator, Liston Gregory; R.LumR. aka Reggie Williams, a Nashville-based R&B singer-songwriter; Matt DeSear, CEO and Engineer with Burnt Orange Studio right here in Sarasota; and Jade Turner, a music, and theatre singer/actor who’s performing on Broadway in New York.

SCF’s students and performances are directed and conducted by accomplished faculty, including Don Bryn; Pete Carney, DMA, Geoff Neuman, DMA; and Melodie Dickerson.

Don Bryn is known for his arrangements for jazz and show bands and has composed pieces for everything from classical guitar and concert choirs to new music, electronic ensembles, and large orchestra.

As a jazz musician, Carney also enjoys a career as a saxophonist and arranger who has worked with Grammy winners Kirk Franklin, Tito Puente, the Winans and rock legends The Plain White T’s - his greatest experiences have been opening for B.B. King in a Mississippi cotton field, Al Green at the Superdome and Aretha Franklin in Chicago. Carney holds a doctorate in Jazz.

Geoff Neuman is a conductor, educator, and professional musician with over 20 years of teaching and performing experience and holds a doctorate in Orchestral Conducting.

Melodie Dickerson, a soprano, was recently nominated into the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Hall of Fame by her colleagues in the Music Division.

The music program at SCF became the first state college department to host the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Winter Music Symposium, typically held at a state university. Year over year, our music students perform and garner awards in vocal and instrumental concerts and the student artist competition.

Community members interested in exploring classes and taking lessons can also do so through SCF’s Lifelong Learning at their convenience with lessons offered at an SCF campus or another preferred location.

Experience the vibrant sounds of SCF Music through our annual concerts and performances, all offered at affordable ticket prices to enrich our community. At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re Everyone’s College.

For more information or to view our performance schedule, visit SCF.edu.

Tommy Gregory, J.D. is President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.