Community Foundation executive announces retirement

McLAUGHLIN Carol McLaughlin, Chief Program Officer at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation will retire as of June 30.

McLaughlin, with the Community Foundation since 2000, is the many grants and scholarship programs at the foundation. She is a strong advocate for the nonprofit community and works with foundation donors in matching their passions with community needs.

Last year, the foundation distributed more than $5.7 million in grants and scholarships.

"Carol came at a pivotal point in the growth of the community foundation and led the creation and development of the programs in place at the foundation today," said Julia East, President and CEO of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation.

Her decision, said McLaughlin, though difficult, will allow her to spend more time with her family and to travel.

"I may decide to do something part-time later. I just feel right now my focus should be on family," she said.

The foundation has begun the process of a national search to fill the position.

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation has been supporting the communities of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and Hendry through endowed funds for more than 30 years. With assets of more than $57 million and over 320 endowed funds, the community foundation has provided more than $30 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves.