Hope. Help. For All.

Meet the Team

Dr. Helene Lotman, Ph.D.
President/CEO

Dr. Lotman brings over 30 years of leadership experience across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Known for her mission-driven approach and visionary leadership, Dr. Lotman has excelled in financial management, fundraising and team building throughout her career. She has a strong reputation for cultivating meaningful donor relationships and nurturing supportive work cultures, driving the growth and success of the organizations under her guidance.

hlotman@jfcs-cares.org941-366-2224, ext. 111

Lucia Branton
Vice President of Operations

Lucia brings over 25 years of work and leadership experience across nonprofit sectors, both in Sarasota/Manatee and the Pacific Northwest. Known for her strong advocacy and servant leadership for our community’s most vulnerable members, she strives to build teams and cultivate healthy, safe and supportive spaces for those who serve and are being served.

lbranton@jfcs-cares.org941-366-2224, ext. 181

Kari Ellingstad, MPH
Senior Director of Family Wellness Services

Kari is a mission-oriented, results-driven leader with experience in the non-profit and for-profit sectors. She is adept at managing teams, fostering partnerships, and implementing technological enhancements to improve outcomes. Kari is recognized for leading successful initiatives, with a demonstrated commitment to collaboration and fostering cultures of belonging.

kellingstad@jfcs-cares.org941-366-2224 x 602

Trisha Kauffman, MPA
Development Manager

Trisha has 30 years of experience in nonprofit management and development. She is committed to helping donors find their passion, and to helping organizations create and sustain programs that achieve lasting, meaningful change.

tkauffman@jfcs-cares.org941-366-2224, ext. 142

Board Officers

Stacie Herrera
Chair

Marc Kanoff
Vice Chair

Jim Naber
Treasurer

Ellen Goldner
Secretary

Board Members

Marshall Cutler
Dan Dannheisser, PA
Adam Gersh
Michael Goldman
Eric Kaplan
Brian Meinberg
Eddy Regnier

David Shapiro
Sasha Rosin
Jackie Taxdal
Ken Waters
Carol Welsch
Sheila Weiss

Emeritus Board Members

Barbara Brizdle
Marie Monsky