Photo from left to right includes: David E. Sessions, Lisa Krouse and Peter H. Soderberg.

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) Board of Directors recently elected three new members, each a powerhouse in their own regard, stepping in to a proactive philanthropic foothold for a forthcoming three-year term. “Our Board of Directors is thrilled with the election of these new directors," says GCCF President and CEO Mark Pritchett. "They have been successful in their respective careers and bring a wealth of experience that will sustain Gulf Coast as a leader in the community foundation field.”

First of the triple threat includes David E. Sessions, president and CEO of Willis A. Smith Construction. Not only a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accredited professional, Sessions also extensively volunteers his leadership expertise—holding a seat as executive board member of Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, serving on the board of directors for American Red Cross of Southwest Florida and a member of Leadership Florida Class XXX. “I have always admired the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and its impact on our community through philanthropy," he says. "Gulf Coast positively touches the lives of so many in all areas of our community. It is my hope that by participating as a member of the Board, I can contribute to furthering the foundation’s many regional initiatives."

Also joining the brigade is Boca Grande resident Peter H. Soderberg, managing partner of Worthy Venture Resources, LLC, and board member of several public and private medical-technology companies. Formerly, he held the helm as president and CEO of Hill-Rom, Hillenbrand Industries, Welch Allyn Holdings, as well as Johnson & Johnson Health Management. Local community involvement includes board service with the Friends of Boca Grande Community Center, joint hunger-relief efforts with All Faiths Food Bank and various mission projects with the Boca Grande Lighthouse United Methodist Church.

Last is Lisa Krouse, Esq., executive vice president and chief administrative officer at FCCI Insurance Group, where she has been for more than 14 years and was the first woman appointed to its board of directors. Krouse is also previous chair of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. “I couldn’t be more pleased to be a part of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Board,” she says. “I have been watching Gulf Coast for many years.” In fact, Pritchett and Krouse have already worked on a number of transformational projects together over the last decade.

“I have found their innovation, creativity and level of commitment, demonstrated by those associated with the organization, to be inspiring and the hallmark of their success,” Krouse says. “Being bold and proactive while pushing at the outer edges of the envelope is what attracted me most to Gulf Coast. They are never satisfied with the here and now—it’s their recipe for success, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Photo from left to right includes: David E. Sessions, Lisa Krouse and Peter H. Soderberg.

Learn more about the Board of GCCF.