Community Foundation Tampa Bay’s Marlene Spalten to retire in 2027

Community Foundation Tampa Bay President and CEO Marlene Spalten plans to retire in June 2027 after nearly 14 years of growth and expanded community impact.

During Spalten’s tenure, the regional philanthropic organization’s total donor commitments and assets grew from $142 million to more than $1.1 billion, and annual grantmaking grows each year. In 2025, the Community Foundation’s competitive grant program awarded more than $2.2 million to 84 nonprofit organizations in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties.   

Under Spalten, the foundation has also expanded its impact by launching its critical needs list, which helps nonprofits through unexpected crises and spikes in community need. It launched during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been activated during hurricanes and the 2025 government shutdown.  It has also launched several community collaborations that bring together philanthropists, nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders to address pressing challenges such as early childhood education, degree attainment, and mental health.  

“With Marlene continuing to lead the Foundation through June 2027, we have the opportunity to build on our strong momentum, advance our strategic priorities, and thoughtfully prepare for the future,” Community Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Linda Simmons says in a press release.  “Her leadership has helped position Community Foundation Tampa Bay for continued  growth and impact, and we are excited about all that we will accomplish together in the  year ahead.”  

The Community Foundation’s board has a comprehensive succession plan in place that includes a transition and search committee to oversee the process of identifying the next president & CEO.

“Throughout my career, I have believed that the most successful organizations are those that prepare for the future while continuing to focus on the work at hand. Community Foundation Tampa Bay is well-positioned to do both,” Spalten says in a press release. “I remain energized by our mission, excited about the opportunities ahead, and committed to leading the  Foundation through the next year.”  

For more information, go to Community Foundation Tampa Bay