Wire
St. Petersburg Foundation names Irv Cohen as new Executive Director
(St. Petersburg, Fla.) – The St. Petersburg Foundation today announced that Irv Cohen has been appointed as Executive Director. Cohen has served as a board member since the foundation’s inception in 2019. Cohen’s transition from his corporate role as CEO of CodeBoxx Technology into a full-time role with the St. Petersburg Foundation marks a significant chapter in his professional journey as he embraces the opportunity to channel his energy and expertise toward philanthropic endeavors.
“While I am immensely proud of the progress we’ve made at CodeBoxx, I believe it’s time for me to shift my focus toward philanthropy,” said Cohen. “The St. Petersburg Foundation’s mission aligns perfectly with my values, and I look forward to working closely with the dedicated team to make progress on some very exciting new projects the foundation has on the horizon.”
The St. Petersburg Foundation is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit with a mission of building capacity for organizations and the community. In his role as Executive Director, Cohen will take a new lead in the foundation’s efforts to drive positive change and create organizational impact through public/private partnerships, like the foundation’s successful operation of the Lealman Exchange community center and ongoing initiative to revitalize the St. Petersburg Science Center.
St. Petersburg Foundation Co-Founder Joe Hamilton noted, “Irv has been a top operator in the private sector for decades. Focusing his experience and insight on building capacity in the community will amplify the impact of the nonprofits we serve.” He added, “I’m especially looking forward to working together on large innovative projects that will help bring new opportunities to our region.”
Cohen follows Karen Chassin, the Foundation’s first full-time Executive Director. Hamilton noted of Chassin’s tenure: “Karen shepherded us from essentially just a vision to a fully functional nonprofit. We’re operating beyond our years because she shared her talent with SPF. I’m very grateful that she took a chance on us.”
“Irv Cohen is an innovative, strategic philanthropist with a record of ambitious public-private-nonprofit partnerships that deliver value to the community,” said Chassin. “We can expect exciting things from his leadership of the St. Petersburg Foundation.”
Cohen has a strong background in building the capacity of area nonprofits, having served on multiple nonprofit boards and co-founding the Tampa Bay Chapter of Social Venture Partners. His new role as Executive Director is a natural continuation of his dedication to making a positive impact in the Tampa Bay area.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Ashley Morales
Engagement Director, St. Petersburg Foundation
(727) 210-5307
ashley@stpete.foundation
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About the St. Petersburg Foundation:
The St. Petersburg Foundation is the nonprofit philanthropic arm of the St. Petersburg Group, a media and publishing company and consulting firm. The St. Petersburg Foundation was created by business entrepreneurs and nonprofit professionals who share a history of commitment to Pinellas County and a record of innovative partnerships and projects that improve the quality of life of county residents.
As a social impact consultancy, the St. Petersburg Foundation builds capacity at the organizational and community level. We leverage public, private, and philanthropic partnerships and resources for social good, with a bias toward results-oriented deliverables. We support people and organizations in developing the systems, strategies and tools that advance missions and increase effectiveness.
