10 Years of Impact: Outgoing Foundation Trustees
Earlier this month, Foundation board members Sharon Gardner, Rev. Kenny Irby, Marianne Edmonds, and Kelly Kirschner attended their last official meeting as trustees. They had all joined the Foundation’s board in January of 2020, offering their leadership and talent for six critical years. During their tenure, they helped guide the Foundation’s pandemic response, were instrumental in selecting Dr. Kanika Tomalin to serve as the Foundation’s President and CEO and played a key role in setting the vision of the Foundation for the next 20 years.
“Our beloved outgoing board members Sharon Gardner, Rev. Kenny Irby, Marianne Edmonds, and Kelly Kirschner have been steadfast servant leaders whose dedication and care have meaningfully moved our Foundation along the margin of excellence,” Dr. Tomalin said. “We are so grateful for their many contributions, which will continue to benefit our community for years to come.”
- Sharon Gardner served as board chair for two years, and as treasurer from 2021-2023.
- Rev. Kenny Irby served as board vice chair for five consecutive years.
- Marianne Edmonds served as treasurer and chair of the Finance and Investment committees since January of 2024.
- Kelly Kirschner served as chair of the Strategy & Impact Committee for five years.
“I am proud of the Foundation team and the processes they have developed to communicate about upcoming grants, allocate grants and work with local organizations to build their capabilities. It has been rewarding to watch how the partnership with Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital has expanded the reach and depth of these grants,” Gardner offered when asked about highlights and hopes from her tenure. “I know that the future impact on health equity in St Petersburg is bright when I consider the quality of strategic planning that the Foundation has done, the depth of knowledge and devotion the Foundation team demonstrates every day in their work, and the active involvement we have from the community the Foundation works with and supports.”