Marilyn Howard – Executive Director of the Manatee Community Foundation is a Wonder Woman of our community and we are certain that many will agree! A graduate of Indiana University, Marilyn was appointed Executive Director of the Manatee Community Foundation at its formation in 1998 and has served continuously in that role. Under her leadership, MCF assets have grown to $36 million with cumulative grants and scholarship distributions reaching over $14 million.

Previous to her work at MCF, Marilyn was the Education Manager and the District Director for Junior Achievement in Manatee and Sarasota Counties and also worked for 16 years as a supervisor with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Marilyn is a past president of the Southwest Florida Planned Giving Council, serves on the Community Advisory Board of the Junior League of Manatee County, and is also a member of the Community Leadership Council for USF Sarasota-Manatee.

Marilyn’s husband, John retired after 16 years as Headmaster of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, and they have two grown children.

Quote: “I’m inspired daily by the generous, committed people that I have the good fortune to work with – our donors at MCF, the dedicated nonprofit executives that provide services in our community, my foundation co-workers, and Board members.

The vibrancy of our community’s philanthropic spirit translates into an incredible place to call home.”

Without Marilyn’s tireless efforts the lives of many in our community would be a lot harder and less hopeful.