President & CEO

President & CEO
SantaFe Health Foundation, Inc. &
SantaFe Health Endowment, Inc.
Gainesville, Florida
The Moran Company is pleased to partner with SantaFe Health Foundation, Inc. and SantaFe Health Endowment, Inc. to recruit the organizations’ first President & CEO.
Organizational Background
The SantaFe Health Foundation, Inc. (“the Foundation”) is a nonprofit corporation established under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation’s mission is to advance the well-being of Floridians throughout all stages of life. Its vision is to be the most effective supporter of health, wellness, and wellbeing in each community it serves, achieved primarily through strategic grantmaking that promotes health and wellness.
The SantaFe Health Endowment, Inc. (“the Endowment”) is a nonprofit corporation organized as a Type I Supporting Organization of the Foundation under Section 509(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Endowment exists to receive and steward assets held exclusively for the benefit of the Foundation’s programs and activities. Together, the Foundation and the Endowment are headquartered in Gainesville, Florida.
The Endowment manages an investment portfolio currently valued at $150 million and soon will be valued at $200 million, providing a strong platform for long-term impact and growth.
Position Summary
This first President will serve as the chief executive and public face of the newly established SantaFe Health Foundation, developing the Foundation, its policies, and staff from the ground up. This individual will work in close partnership with a Board of Directors comprised of local community leaders. This role requires a strategic, inspirational, energetic, charismatic, and highly collaborative leader who can guide this young foundation through its development as one having deep impact, visibility, and effectiveness.
The President is responsible for overall leadership of the Foundation and Endowment, including strategy, grantmaking, financial and investment oversight, Board relations, community leadership and engagement, and organizational culture. Success in this role requires the ability to adapt to an evolving philanthropic landscape while maintaining strong stewardship of resources and mission alignment. This is a rare opportunity to lead the development of a new philanthropic organization with a significant endowment and a deep commitment to advancing health, wellness, and wellbeing across Florida communities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Provide visionary and effective leadership to advance the Foundation’s mission and vision
- Partner closely with the Board to develop and implement a sustainable strategy with clear goals, timelines, and outcomes
- Keep the Board informed of trends, issues, and best practices in philanthropy and grantmaking
- Support strong governance by providing timely, accurate information to enable informed decision-making
Grantmaking & Program Leadership
- Oversee and manage grantmaking programs in alignment with Board-approved priorities
- Develop and maintain grantmaking policies, procedures, and evaluation practices
- Engage with community-based funders, agencies, and grantees to strengthen program effectiveness and collaboration
Financial & Investment Oversight
- Prepare annual operating budgets and financial forecasts for Board review and approval
- Ensure fiscal management aligns with accepted accounting standards, risk management practices, and regulatory requirements
- Oversee the Endowment’s investment portfolio in partnership with the investment advisor, ensuring compliance with Board-approved investment policies and long-term growth objectives
Organizational & Talent Leadership
- Build and sustain a high-performing, collaborative organizational culture
- Recruit, develop, and retain talented staff aligned with the Foundation’s mission and values
- Ensure strong operational systems and management practices are in place
External Relations & Community Engagement
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the Foundation
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, grantees, fellow funders, and other stakeholders
- Represent the Foundation locally, regionally, and nationally to enhance visibility and impact
- Oversee communications and brand strategy to effectively promote the organization and its work
Candidate Qualifications
The successful candidate will be a seasoned nonprofit or philanthropic leader who brings strategic insight, financial acumen, and strong relationship-building skills. The President will be both a thoughtful steward and an entrepreneurial leader who can guide a growing foundation toward lasting community impact.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in a nonprofit or grantmaking organization, including at least 7 years in an executive leadership role
- Demonstrated experience in foundation leadership, grantmaking, fundraising, finance, and organizational management
- Proven ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors
- Passionate about supporting the SantaFe Health Mission, core values, including a commitment to advancing the well-being of Floridians
- A leader with a demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, who leads with compassion and integrity, with strong networking skills
- Proven collaborative leader with the ability to comfortably and strategically build consensus among multiple groups
- Must bring to this position a high degree of energy, integrity, and creativity, as well as the analytical, organizational, and personal qualities that will command respect and cooperation from broad sectors of the community
- Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and an outstanding ability to lead and manage a team of professionals
- Residency in or willingness to relocate to Gainesville, Florida
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for the President is $320,000 to $350,000. The SantaFe Health Foundation and SantaFe Health Endowment offer medical, dental and vision insurance, along with life insurance and short-term and long-term disability insurance. The organizations contribute to a 401(k) retirement plan at increasing levels beginning on the first day of employment.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
SantaFe Health Foundation and SantaFe Health Endowment are Equal Opportunity Employers that do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The management team of SantaFe Health Foundation and SantaFe Health Endowment is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.
About Gainesville, Florida
One of the top college towns in the country, Gainesville is located in North Central Florida, approximately one hour southwest of Jacksonville. The city is home to the University of Florida, one of the top medical and research centers in the country, with the Florida Gators bringing the excitement of major collegiate athletics alongside a vibrant academic and uplifting cultural environment. Gainesville is also home to SantaFe College.
Gainesville offers outstanding art galleries and cultural institutions, including the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Harn Museum of Art, and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Annual events such as the Downtown Festival & Art Show, Spring Arts Festival, The Phillips Performing Arts Center and The Fest contribute to a lively and engaged community.
Outdoor recreation is abundant, with opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling, and watersports in nearby parks and preserves such as Newnans Lake State Forest, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Palm Point Nature Park and the unique Paines Prairie State Park. The area also features diverse dining, shopping, and recreational options, making Gainesville an attractive place to live and work.
Application Process
The search for this position is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions about the position can be directed to Sheryl Sereda, The Moran Company; sheryl (at) morancompany.com. To apply for this position, submit a cover letter along with your resume to Sheryl Sereda, The Moran Company, through our secure online portal.
Your Resume should include all professional education and experience, dates of employment (month and year) and position/title and organization names. Your cover letter should articulate relevant experience and fit with the stated preferences of the position.