Our Staff

Kirsten Russell is the Vice President, Community Impact for the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

As a member of the leadership team, she is responsible for leading the foundation's discretionary grantmaking, strategic partnerships, initiatives, and scholarships. Integral to this work is the two-generation approach to family well-being, a philosophy that centers the whole family with the goal of creating a legacy of educational success and economic prosperity that passes from one generation to the next.

Designed to promote collaboration and strengthen the region, some of the foundation's major initiatives include Season of Sharing, a community wide safety net to keep people housed; Strauss Literacy Initiative, a structured literacy approach to teacher professional development ensuring that students read proficiently by third grade; Parent Pathways, harnessing education to build economic and social mobility; and the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund, a vital resource supporting the long-term needs that emerge after a disaster so communities can heal holistically.

Prior to joining the foundation, Kirsten held a variety of leadership roles including Vice President with Marsh & McLennan in Washington, DC, publisher of a local business magazine, and group publisher of several association magazines. She holds a master's in business administration (MBA) in finance from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Drew University.

Kirsten is a graduate of Leadership Florida (Class 40) and actively serves the community as an advisor, board member, and volunteer. Originally from Syracuse, NY, Sarasota has been her home for 20 years. When she's not building a stronger region, you can find her exploring the award-winning beaches, playing pickleball, or planning a travel adventure to a new destination.