Introduction
Duggan Cooley is the CEO of Pinellas Community Foundation, where he works with donors, nonprofits, businesses, and civic leaders to help strengthen Pinellas County. His work focuses on philanthropy, disaster response, and connecting people and resources during both everyday challenges and major crises. He believes community foundations play an important role not just in funding good work, but in helping people stay connected and engaged in the future of their region.
Years in St. Pete
More than 15 years.
Organizations involved in
Pinellas Community Foundation, Tampa Bay Thrives, Pinellas County Estate Planning Council, Leadership Pinellas, Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund partnership efforts, and various civic and community initiatives throughout Pinellas County.
What gets you out of bed every day?
Honestly, part of it is that no two days are ever the same. I enjoy variety, solving different kinds of problems, and the fact that the work is constantly evolving. It keeps me engaged and always learning.
Why St. Pete?
St. Pete feels like a community where people genuinely care about each other and about the future of the city. There’s a strong sense of identity here, but also a lot of energy and creativity. It’s a city of the arts, local businesses, neighborhoods, waterfront parks, and a culture that encourages people to participate and connect. There’s always something happening, but it still feels personal and connected in a way that many growing cities lose over time.
What is one habit that you keep?
I stay curious. I tend to go down rabbit holes and spend time thinking about how systems function, how people make decisions, and how organizations hold up under stress.
Who are some people that influence you?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible local leaders like Sallie Parks and Maria Edmonds. Before Sallie passed away, we often talked about “compassionate curiosity” — genuinely listening to people and being open to understanding perspectives even when you may not fully agree. That idea has stayed with me.
I’m also influenced by thinkers like Peter Drucker and, honestly, Fred Rogers. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate how much influence can come from consistency, kindness, integrity, and how people treat others over time. The people I admire most built reputations through substance and trust, not by chasing attention.
What is one piece of insight - a book, methodology, practice - that you would share with our readers?
One idea that has stayed with me is something Sallie Parks and I used to talk about often: “compassionate curiosity.” You don’t have to agree with everyone, but people want to feel heard and understood. Approaching conversations with genuine curiosity instead of immediately trying to win an argument changes relationships, leadership, and communities in meaningful ways. I think we could use a lot more of that right now.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your work 3 years ago?
I’ve gained a much deeper appreciation for how resilient communities and organizations can be, even under enormous pressure. At the same time, many nonprofits and community systems are operating closer to the edge than people realize. I’ve also learned that real relationships matter far more during difficult moments than polished plans or public messaging. Trust built over time becomes incredibly important when communities are navigating uncertainty or crisis.
What’s next?
I’m interested in continuing to explore how philanthropy and nonprofit organizations can help strengthen the future of Pinellas County. That includes everything from disaster preparedness and housing to economic opportunity and helping people feel more connected to where they live. I think strong places are built through trust, relationships, and people who stay engaged and invested in each other over time.
