Community Foundation Tampa Bay CEO Marlene Spalten to retire in 2027

Community Foundation Tampa Bay said President and CEO Marlene Spalten plans to retire in June 2027 after more than a decade leading the organization’s growth. The planned transition comes as the foundation has grown donor-advised and permanent assets to more than $1.1 billion and expanded its grantmaking across Tampa Bay.

Why it matters: - Marlene Spalten’s planned exit sets up a leadership transition at Florida’s largest community foundation. - Community Foundation Tampa Bay has become one of the nation’s largest community foundations under Spalten’s leadership. - The change matters across Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, where the foundation directs philanthropic capital and supports nonprofit work.

What happened: - Community Foundation Tampa Bay announced that President and CEO Marlene Spalten plans to retire in June 2027. - Spalten will remain in the role through June 2027 while the board manages a transition process. - Board Chair Linda Simmons said the timeline gives the foundation time to keep advancing its priorities while preparing for the next leader. - Spalten said she remains energized by the mission and committed to leading the foundation through the next year.

The details: - Spalten joined Community Foundation Tampa Bay in 2012. - She is the third President & CEO in the foundation’s 35-year history. - During her tenure, donor-advised and permanent assets grew from $142 million to more than $1.1 billion. - Annual grantmaking also expanded to support critical needs and nonprofit projects throughout the Tampa Bay region. - The foundation launched community collaboratives focused on early childhood education, degree attainment and mental health. - The board has created an Executive Transition Committee and Search Committee to find the next President & CEO. - Community Foundation Tampa Bay was founded in 1990. - The organization says it is the leading philanthropic investor in the Tampa Bay area. - Over 35 years, the foundation and its donors have invested more than $516 million in nonprofit organizations. - More information is available at Community Foundation Tampa Bay. - The foundation’s LinkedIn page is available at its social media profile.

Between the lines: - The long runway to June 2027 suggests the board wants a controlled handoff rather than a sudden change. - The asset growth under Spalten points to a major expansion in the foundation’s scale and regional influence. - The succession process also signals that the board is trying to preserve continuity while keeping momentum on existing community initiatives.

What's next: - The board will continue the search process for the next President & CEO. - The foundation said it will share additional transition updates in the coming months. - Spalten will stay focused on the organization’s current work until her retirement date. - The next leader will inherit a foundation with major assets, broad county reach and established community partnerships.