On August 15, 2018, local development professional Jennifer Abbott will join MCF as Director of Philanthropy, working closely with current and future donors, professional advisors and community partners on transformational giving in Manatee County.

Jennifer brings more than 20 years of development, marketing and management experience in a career reflecting her commitment to building strong, respectful, long-term relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, clients and community leaders.

A fourth generation Floridian, Jennifer has lived and worked in Sarasota and Manatee counties for much of her life.  Most recently, Jennifer spent ten years at Forty Carrots Family Center growing resources through philanthropy to further the mission of strengthening families.  Prior to that, her work spanned projects ranging from United Way campaigns to Super Bowl ads.

Jennifer currently serves as vice president of the Southwest Florida chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), promoting ethical and effective fundraising in our community through professional education, networking, research and advocacy. Jennifer graduated from American University with degrees in Public Communications and Literature, and worked in Washington, DC and Austin, TX before returning home with her Sarasota-native husband Mark to raise their two children close to family.

In addition to 2 kids, the Abbott family includes 2 dogs, 3 homing pigeons, and – most recently – a bee hive. Jennifer and her family love to travel, from Florida State Parks to medieval castles in Europe and Mayan ruins in Mexico.  In her spare time, Jennifer is an avid reader and reluctant exerciser.