Member News

SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – When children enter the foster care system, extended family or non-relatives will take responsibility for a child or children while they are not able to live with a parent or parents. In many cases, additional resources are needed to make children comfortable and feel at home in their new residence.

Thanks to a partnership of Goodwill Manasota and the Children’s Guardian Fund, items such as clothing, furniture, bedding, housewares and other necessities will be made available for children who are entering the state care system. Additionally, Goodwill will provide career services through its Job Connection program for teens in the care system looking for part-time employment, a biological parent who will need to have a job in order to have the child returned to their custody, or even the new caregiver who may need to return to work in order to deal with the added expenses related to housing, feeding and clothing one or more children.

Several years ago, Goodwill and the Children’s Guardian Fund partnered to help improve the prospects for young people aging out of the foster care system; this new venture cements the relationship and spirit of cooperation between the two organizations.

“Given our previous work together and our ability to provide resources needed for those involved with the foster care system, it made sense for us to make these available to the Children’s Guardian Fund,” said Margie Genter, vice president of mission services for Goodwill. “Whether clothing, furniture or career services – these are all readily available through Goodwill and we’re pleased to support those who have opened their homes to children at a time of need as well as parents trying to get their lives back on track.”

The reinvigoration of the connection between the nonprofits was facilitated by a Guardian Ad Litem volunteer and Children’s Guardian Fund board member, Jim Flora, who is also an ongoing volunteer for Goodwill.  Additionally, Genter and Children’s Guardian Fund executive director Svetlana Ivashchenko already knew each other and were eager to get the collaborative momentum moving again.

“Partnering with Goodwill means being able to direct our needy families to the wealth of resources available through this great organization and, ultimately, achieving better outcomes for our local children who have suffered abuse, neglect and abandonment,” said Ivashchenko.

Goodwill will also assist in spreading the word about the need for volunteers to become Guardian Ad Litem advocates, trained and certified community volunteers appointed by judges to speak up for abused or neglected children in court. Currently, there are approximately 1,200 children in the Guardian Ad Litem Program in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties; over 100 – about half of whom are age 5 or younger while 90% are 12 or younger – are awaiting a volunteer to serve as their advocate. The cases of children who do not have a Guardian Ad Litem stay open longer; volunteers are critical to ensuring the best possible outcome for these children.

For more information about the Children’s Guardian Fund or to offer support, go to childrensguardianfund.org. For more about Goodwill, go to experiencegoodwill.org

(Sarasota, FL) March 15, 2021 - Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, is pleased to announce its 60th Anniversary Co-Chairs and Committee members in recognition of the agency’s historic milestone of six decades of service to the community.

The 60th Anniversary Co-Chairs and Committee members are comprised of past and present board members, volunteers, and supporters who have dedicated themselves to celebrating and supporting Children First throughout the year. The Committee members will serve as agency ambassadors in elevating the visibility of and engagement with the Children First mission, including raising critical funds in support of comprehensive services for pregnant women, children and families living at-risk.

“It is an honor to celebrate such a momentous occasion alongside our Co-Chairs, Committee members, and the greater community as we work together to help make new dreams possible every day. For the past six decades, we have been providing high-quality education and family strengthening services for our community’s most vulnerable children and families. We know the growth of the entire family creates a beautiful garden that will continue to blossom with hope, opportunity, and success for generations to come.” says CEO Philip Tavill. 

Co-Chairs include: Tom Cail, Lisa and John Giglio, Teresa and Trevor Harvey, Stephanie and Allen Hochfelder, Lisa and Jeff Jackson, Carol and Richard Kalikow, Andrée and Mike Keebaugh, Katherine and Frank Martucci, Elenor Maxheim, Dr. Jacque and Lacy Ray, Jo and Stan Rutstein, and Gaye and Jack Schwarz. This esteemed group of Co-Chairs will lead the 60^th Anniversary celebrations at Children First throughout 2021.

Committee members as of March 12 include: Sally & Bill Altman, Phyllis & Hank Battie, Krystal & Matt Beall, Barbara Benson, Howard Berman, Ted Bogusz, Travis & Kathy Brown, Tom Cail, Nicole Christie, Norma & Al Cohen, Lynette Coney, Kathy & Tom Cook, Christina Davis, Vanessa Diaz-Petit, Heriberto Enriquez, Dawn & Mitchell Epstein, Vivian Flewelling, Cher Gardner, Lisa & John Giglio, Faith & Michael Goldman, Teresa and Trevor Harvey, Dulce Hernandez, Rokira Hill, Stephanie and Allen Hochfelder, Johnny Hunter, Sr., Johnny Hunter, Jr., Maggie Hutter, Lisa and Jeff Jackson, Beth Jacobson, Amanda & John Johnson, Keith & Adrienne Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Leslie & Alan Jones, Gina & Bill Jordan, Carol and Richard Kalikow, Andrée & Mike Keebaugh, Janna & Josh Kim, Samantha Kingsley, John Knowles, Lisa Krouse, Darliny Lantigua, Julie & Brock Leach, Jessica Leon, Joan & Bart Levenson, Rebecca Lieberher, Alison & Howard Madsen, Phil Mancini, Katherine & Frank Martucci, Elenor Maxheim, Barbara & Bob McClure, Adilene Mejia-Aparicio, Deborah & Dick Miller, Linda Monda & John Mobardi, Keith Monda & Veronica Brady, Eugenia McGinnus Murray, Paula Murray, Bobbie Mullen, Joy Norwood, Vanessa & Maurice Opstal, Katrina & Matt Otchet, Cheri & Justin Pachota, Donna & Mike Pachota, Renee Phinney, Peter & Joanne Powers, Keli Pufahl, Dr. Jacque & Lacy Ray, Lashonda Riley, Leslie & Dick Rivera, Jessica Rogers, Jackie & Jim Rolfes, Jo and Stan Rutstein, Cindy Salomone & Al Cenci, Susan & Rohn Schaefer, Gaye and Jack Schwarz, Robin & David Shapiro, Maggie & Mark Sharff, Alyssa Simons, Karen Solem, Maria Somera, Elizabeth Stamoulis, Michelle Stears, Nora & Joe Stephan, Lavender & Michael Suarez, Kathleen Sullivan, Joyce & Fred Tavill, Philip Tavill, Asa Thomas, Maria Valdivia, Henriette van Eck, Linda Watterworth, Megan Wenger, Lin & Bob Williams, and Ethna & Ted Wishnie.

The agency has also launched an initiative called ’60 for 60’ to recognize the collective volunteer effort from the community led by businesses, partners, individuals, and groups that has created six decades of success and service in support of Children First.

“In 1961, the Junior League of Sarasota founded the Sarasota Day Nursery for families in need with a mission to prepare young children for Kindergarten. Sixty years later, I am deeply grateful to be a part of celebrating this achievement as a Co-Chair, current Board Chair of Children First, and Junior League Sustainer,” says Board Chair and Classroom Volunteer Katherine Martucci.

To learn more about Children First’s 60th Anniversary initiatives and ways you can get involved, visit childrenfirst.net.

NAPLES, FL. – Conditioned Air Company announced that Chairman W. Theodore Etzel III has earned the 2021 Pioneer Award from the Southwest Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SWACCA). The award recognizes Etzel’s 40-plus years as a leader and role model and for paving the way for future industry professionals in Southwest Florida.

The award was presented to Etzel by Tim Dupre, SWACCA Past President and President and CEO for Conditioned Air. In presenting the award, Dupre mentioned himself as a testimonial to Etzel’s leadership and employee mentoring skills. Dupre was hired by Etzel at the age of 18 as an apprentice and has worked his way up to the CEO office.

A native Floridian, Etzel graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor of Science in economics and finance from the university’s School of Business. He has decades of experience as a business executive and entrepreneur. As Chairman of Conditioned Air since 1995, he has helped guide the company into the region’s largest air-conditioning contracting and service firm with nearly 400 employees from Marco Island to Sarasota.

Conditioned Air offers local expertise in light commercial and residential HVAC systems, including design, engineer, estimate, installation and maintenance of new construction, refrigeration, indoor air quality and dehumidification systems. For more details or to schedule service, call 1-888-COLD-AIR or visit  www.conditionedair.com.

The Cross College Alliance (CCA) Reverse Career Fair—a

fully virtual and free event—will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Thurs. March 25 live on Remo.

Employers from across the state and nation will be recruiting top talent from the Florida

Suncoast. More than 50 students from New College of Florida, Ringling College of Art and

Design, State College of Florida and the University of South Florida will represent themselves

during this networking opportunity.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers has recognized the uniqueness and efficacy

of this event and its format, which differs greatly from traditional career fairs. The aim of a

“reverse” career fair is to spotlight students (so that each student has a table where they greet and

interview potential employers—not the other way around).

“At a regular career fair, by happenstance, the right student might come to an employer’s table,

or--in many cases--recruiters leave without any good candidates,” said Dwayne Peterson, the

director of New College’s Center for Career Engagement and Opportunity (CEO) and one of the

event organizers. “From an employer’s perspective, this year’s Reverse Career Fair offers a

guaranteed return on investment because recruiters can target and meet talented candidates with

diverse interests (and educational backgrounds) that specifically align with their hiring needs--all

in an interactive, virtual environment.”

And this is the second year the 2018-founded event has gone virtual—a shift necessitated by the

COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, 76 employer representatives participated, and more than

half of all student participants were offered at least one interview (several also landed jobs and

internships).

Employers can register for the Cross College Alliance Reverse Career Fair at

tinyurl.com/CCAReverseFair21.

About the Cross College Alliance (CCA)

The CCA is comprised of five institutions dedicated to higher education and community building

along Florida’s West Coast: New College of Florida, Ringling College of Art and Design, State

College of Florida, the University of South Florida and The Ringling. This network amplifies

and expands learning opportunities for students and the community.

Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC, a leading provider of assurance, tax, consulting, and advisory services, is proud to announce that it has been designated as a HITRUST Authorized External Assessor by HITRUST. With this achievement, Mauldin & Jenkins is now approved to provide services using the HITRUST CSF, a comprehensive security framework that addresses the multitude of security, privacy and regulatory challenges facing organizations in order to comply with healthcare (HIPAA, HITECH), third-party (PCI, COBIT), government (NIST, FTC) and other industry specific regulations and standards.

Authorized External Assessors such as Mauldin & Jenkins are critical to helping uphold information security and privacy standards for various industries of varying size and complexity. These Assessors serve as a core component of the HITRUST CSF by providing trained resources to assess compliance with security control requirements and document corrective action plans that align with the HITRUST CSF, as well as assessment and remediation services to all industries that deal with PHI and/or PII.

"We are excited to launch the services available through the HITRUST Authorized External Assessor designation,” says Hanson Borders, Managing Partner of Mauldin & Jenkins. “These services will complement our existing risk management and control evaluation services. We look forward to working with the HITRUST organization and its team members."

To obtain a HITRUST Validated Assessment, an organization must pass a third-party compliance assessment performed by an Authorized HITRUST External Assessor. The assessment verifies the organization meets industry-defined information security requirements, which are particularly important to organizations that access, store, or exchange sensitive information.

"Becoming a HITRUST Authorized External Assessor demonstrates not only our Firm’s, but also our professionals’ commitment to being a leading provider of Information Security, Privacy and Regulatory compliance services,'' Jameson Miller, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CCSFP, CHQP and Partner with the Firm states. “Through the utilization of the comprehensive HITRUST CSF, we can efficiently assess and report on multiple security and privacy-related regulations, standards and frameworks within a single assessment, which ultimately reduces our client’s compliance burdens."

To learn more about Mauldin & Jenkins or its services, please visit mjcpa.com, or contact kcauley@mjcpa.com.

Sarasota, FL (March 1, 2021) Current Technologies Corporation has announced the hire of a new VP of Business Development.

Michelle Olivo was brought on to help Current Technologies’ new Florida Division accelerate growth in the Florida market. She comes with extensive experience in entrepreneurship, networking, and business development. In previous roles, she was responsible for the success of multiple Sarasota area businesses and she is well respected in the Sarasota community.

“We are very excited to bring such an energetic and well-respected community leader to our team here in Sarasota! Michelle’s knowledge of the community combined with Current Technologies’ knowledge of IT, Surveillance and Access Control Technologies will definitely be a winning combination for businesses in the Greater Sarasota area!” Said Steve Daugherty, CEO of Current Technologies.

Olivo said of the switch, “I am beyond excited to embark on this amazing opportunity with such a dynamic company! I cannot wait to introduce Sarasota and all of Florida to the IT Services and Security Solutions that Current Technologies has been delivering to the Chicago market for the last 20+ years. Their experience, client service, and industry leading technology will be well embraced by our growing professional market in Sarasota.”

About Current Technologies

For the last 20+ years, Current Technologies has been a leading IT/ Security solutions provider in the Chicagoland area. Current Technologies expanded to Florida late 2020, and are already making waves in the Sarasota community!

Current Technologies is a leading provider of IT and security solutions (video, door management, video analytics, etc.) to local governments, education facilities, and small-medium businesses. Since 1997, Current Technologies has engaged with clients to provide strategic guidance and deliver quality solutions tailored to the needs of each individual client.

SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota was thrilled to learn last December that it was one of 384 nonprofits to receive multi-million-dollar gifts from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Goodwill is ensuring that the $10 million contribution is put to the best possible use by convening a task force of active Goodwill Board community leaders. The Board members will assist staff in the development and expansion of critical community services as well as in overseeing the investment and deployment of the funds.

Serving on Goodwill’s Gift Committee are:

• Xtavia Bailey: The owner of Dollar Store Mania is in her first year on Goodwill’s Board. She has extensive community service experience with organizations including Manatee County Children’s Advisory Board, United Negro College Fund, Habitat for Humanity, Take Stock in Children, and NAACP.
• Steve Boone: An attorney with Boone, Boone & Boone, P.A., he is a former Board Chair with nine years of service on the Board. He has volunteered with organizations including Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota County, Manatee Community College, Sarasota County Teen Court, Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club, and the Coalition to Support Assisted Living.
• Debbie Douglas: The retired Executive Vice President for FCCI Insurance Group has served for nine years on Goodwill’s Board. She has been involved with organizations including the Sarasota County Advisory Committee for Health & Human Services Allocation, Sarasota County Teen Court, United Way Suncoast, and volunteers with VITA, (free tax preparation).
• Rae Dowling: The Area Manager, External Affairs, for Florida Power & Light has served on Goodwill’s Board for five years. Her volunteer endeavors include service to the Chambers of Commerce Manatee and Sarasota County, United Way Suncoast, Girl Scouts, and United Way of Manatee.
• Rob Morris: The President of Certified Fleet Services is a former Chair with 10 years of service on Goodwill’s Board. Morris has been involved with the Sarasota Planning Commission, The Argus Foundation, Sarasota and Manatee Chambers of Commerce, and Church of the Redeemer.
• Brad West: The CFO of PGT Innovations, West is the current Chair with five years of service on the Board. He has been active on the leadership teams for Woodland Community Church and the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.

During the committee’s first meeting in February, some immediate priorities were approved, including: an expansion of the Veterans and Their Families program into South County; the creation of new positions for employees with disabilities through the Supported JobsPlus program; the launch of the new Supported JobsPlus – Language program, to improve English proficiency in the region, resulting in better/sustainable employment for participants; some subsidized Goodwill Manasota Mission Development Services programs to provide additional education, training and mentoring to Goodwills across the country; the potential for additional mission services in DeSoto County to address Ms. Scott’s concern for the lack of rural services; and more.

“When we learned about the gift from Ms. Scott, our first reaction was an overwhelming sense of responsibility to ensure we used the funds wisely to best serve our community,” said Goodwill Manasota President and CEO Bob Rosinsky. “With the leadership and guidance of our Gift Committee and input from valued community partners, we are looking forward to expanding existing programs and launching new ones where there are identified gaps. Our ultimate goal will be to combine our successful social enterprise with the $10M, to ensure that sustainable resources will be available so that our essential programs and services are available to those who need them for many years to come.”

The $10M investment came at a time when more than 10 million Americans were unemployed and urgently needed help finding their next jobs. This contribution will help Goodwill Manasota to carry out its strategic plan, as well as address programs it could not previously undertake due to a lack of resources.

For more about Goodwill, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

Sarasota, FL, February 2021 – The Out-of-Door Academy in Lakewood Ranch is pleased to announce that Mr. Sean Ball has been appointed as The Out-of-Door Academy’s new Head of Upper School.

Mr. Ball began his tenure at Out-of-Door in 1992, teaching Latin, English, and history. He holds a master’s degree in education, as well as a bachelor of arts in English and philosophy. In addition to teaching, he has coached many of ODA’s athletic teams, including football, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, soccer, and golf.

“Sean Ball’s 28-year legacy of service to ODA and our students is nothing short of outstanding,” said Head of School David V. Mahler. “A product of independent school education, he is a true triple threat as a teacher, coach, and advisor. I am excited about the opportunity for our Upper School program to continue to grow and develop under Mr. Ball’s strong leadership.” 

Prior to this promotion, Mr. Ball has been a grade-level dean, and held the role of Assistant Head at both the Middle and Upper School levels before serving as the Interim Upper School Head beginning in the summer of 2020.

He shares why he believes in a hands-on approach as an administrator and teacher. “The reason I continue to teach and coach is to maintain that personal connection with the students and athletes. That is such an important part of the job for administrators. If you treat students with respect, you will be a successful teacher and administrator.”

One of SouthTech’s most senior engineers recently obtained the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. This is a highly prestigious certification granted by an independent, third-party organization known as the International Information System Security Certification Consortium. The CISSP is often referred to as “the world’s premier cybersecurity certification,” and is only granted after an extensive examination and verification of the participant’s experience in the field of technology. 

The Patterson Foundation has partnered with mission-based data and analytics company HundredX, Inc. to connect regional nonprofits with HundredX’s Express Feedback for Good™ program. “While the pandemic has made some traditional forms of connection challenging, nonprofits have the ability to build their relationships digitally and utilize them to fuel their missions,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Through this pilot project with HundredX’s program, The Patterson Foundation is exploring an opportunity that has the potential to open up an additional source of revenue while cultivating important relationships.” The organizations participating in this pilot project include: Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity, Charlotte Players, Inc., Humane Society of Manatee County, Literacy Council of Sarasota, Manate e County Habitat for Humanity, Manatee Performing Arts Center, Peace River Wildlife Center and Visual Arts Center.