Library Foundation Celebrates Executive Director’s Impact and Announces Leadership Transition
After six years of service, Executive Director Alisa Mitchell has announced she will be leaving the Library Foundation for Sarasota County on Sept. 1 to pursue a new professional chapter. Mitchell, whose leadership has helped strengthen the organization, expand its impact and position it for a successful future, is working closely with the board to ensure a smooth transition.
Since joining the foundation in March 2020, Mitchell has guided the organization through a period of meaningful growth. Under her leadership, the Library Foundation has celebrated record-breaking successes in fundraising with its sell-out annual author luncheon, significantly grown its donor base, strengthened the organization’s operational capacity and helped implement an advocacy strategy that has served as a model for library foundations across the country.
“On behalf of our board of directors, staff, and everyone who had the pleasure of working with Alisa, we extend our deepest gratitude for her leadership and hard work over these past six years,” said Board President Kat Wingert. “Her dedication, integrity and heart have shaped this organization in immeasurable ways, and we thank her for all the impact she has made, both large and small. Although we will miss her greatly, we are thankful for all she has accomplished and done for the foundation, and we wish her every success in her next chapter.”
Director of Libraries and Historical Libraries Renee DiPilato agreed, “Alisa's strong passion for public libraries guided her work as she initiated positive changes for the Library Foundation. It’s been exciting to see the organization grow and move in new directions under her leadership. On behalf of the Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources team, I wish Alisa the very best.”
Reflecting on her time with the organization, Mitchell said, “Serving this organization has been one of the great privileges of my career, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this work. Together with our dedicated board members, donors, staff and library partners, we’ve built a successful and sustainable organization that champions Sarasota County’s incredible public library system. As I look ahead to my next chapter, I do so with deep confidence in the strength, leadership and momentum of this organization.”
The Board of Directors has begun the process of identifying the organization’s next executive director and is accepting applications from interested parties.
“The Library Foundation has a talented team, a committed board and an incredible network of supporters,” said Wingert. “We are well-positioned to build on the growth Alisa has helped us establish while continuing to fulfill our mission.”