Simone Peterson has joined Manatee Community Foundation as Community Investment Officer. In her role, Simone will oversee the grants and scholarships, build and sustain relationships with nonprofit and community partners, and support donors with their advisements from donor advised funds.

Simone comes to the Foundation after a 14-year career with Manatee County Government. She was born and raised in Manatee County and is passionate about a community where all of our citizens are connected and supported.

Simone holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration from University of South Florida. At Manatee County Government, Simone managed grant funding for neighborhood enhancement projects; supervised staff members to accomplish division and departmental goals; served as a liaison between Manatee County Government and assigned neighborhoods; built partnerships between nonprofits, neighborhoods, governments to solve or mitigate challenges within neighborhoods; and researched and implemented programs and initiatives that may benefit Manatee County residents. She is also a small business owner.

Simone was a Knight City’s Challenge Winner in 2017 and won the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals MVP Award in 2019, among other honors. She recently served on MCF’s board of directors, Grants Committee and Scholarship Committee.

You can reach Simone at SPeterson@ManateeCF.org.