Library Foundation for Sarasota County elects new board president and officers

Sarah Karon, President of the Board of Directors, Library Foundation for Sarasota County

The Library Foundation for Sarasota County has elected new officers to its Board of Directors. Effective July 1, Sarah Karon will serve as President. A seasoned philanthropist and fundraiser, Sarah brings more than 25 years of leadership and board development experience with mission-driven organizations in education, the arts, women’s health, and democracy and civil discourse. She has held the office of Vice President for the Library Foundation since 2017. 

“I am deeply honored to serve as our Library Foundation's next president. Libraries represent the best of Sarasota County as places of welcome and wisdom, exploration and inspiration. All of us at the Foundation look forward to a great year connecting with our fellow Sarasotans in the spirit of giving back to these worthy institutions that do so much for our communities,” says Karon.

Ilene Denton, retired Senior Editor at Gulf Shore Media, will serve as Vice President. Kat Hughes, Executive Editor and Chief Operating Officer of the Observer Media Group, will serve as Treasurer. Hank Tafaro, retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Hanleigh Companies, will serve as Secretary. 

“I am delighted to welcome our new board leadership to the Foundation. Their diverse nonprofit experience and commitment to supporting and advocating for public libraries make them ideal thought leaders who will build on the Foundation’s efforts to secure the future of our library system,” says Alisa Mitchell, Executive Director, Library Foundation for Sarasota County.