LAKELAND, FL (May 24, 2019) – The GiveWell Community Foundation Board of Directors convened on Tuesday, May 21st for the final board meeting of the 2018-2019 fiscal year. Four outgoing board members were recognized by Board Chair, Jeff Cox, for their years of guidance and support to the organization: Sarah McKay, Bonnie Parker, Lyle Philipson, and John Vreeland.
All four board members had previously served on the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland Board of Directors. Parker was also a board member of the Community Foundation of Greater Winter Haven. In 2014, the two community foundations were combined, creating the GiveWell Community Foundation. Today, the organization serves all of Polk, as well as Hardee and Highlands counties.
“Each of the outgoing members has provided outstanding leadership,” said Terry Simmers, President and CEO of the GiveWell Community Foundation. “John Vreeland has been one of the strongest supporters of our organization and was a founding member of the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland. Sarah McKay is a natural-born leader who has brought so much wisdom to our organization. Lyle Philipson has been a strong, reliable contributor to the organization. And, Bonnie Parker has played such an important role, especially during the merging of the two original community foundations. On behalf of the Community Foundation and its board of directors, I want to thank them for their dedicated support of our organizations and our community.”
The Community Foundation’s Nominating Committee, led by Immediate Past Board Chair, Suzie Moraco, presented candidates at the May 21st meeting to fill the vacancy left by outgoing board members. Those nominees were approved unanimously, and the new roster for the 2019-2020 board of directors will be announced soon.