News
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COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE ANNOUNCES CEO TRANSITION
June 1, 2021Galloway to step down; Edwards to succeed
The board of directors of Community Cooperative has appointed Stefanie Ink Edwards as chief executive officer, effective June 14, 2021. Edwards succeeds Tracey Galloway, who has announced her retirement after 10 years with the organization.
“Leading and transforming Community Cooperative into the dynamic human services organization we are today has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am thrilled to pass the baton to Stefanie who has been an amazing leader in our organization for the past 6 years,” Galloway said. “I’m proud of the organization we’ve built, humbled by the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and pleased that our achievements will continue to make our community a better place to live for years to come.”
“Tracey has accomplished a great deal for Community Cooperative in the 10 years since she joined us,” said Keith Banasiak, board chair. “She articulated a vision for the organization and centered our mission, while greatly improving fundraising capabilities and building our volunteer base and service footprint across the county. She gave Community Cooperative a strong voice full of creativity and passion.”
Banasiak continued, “The board has been planning for this transition for the better part of the year and we are blessed that the best candidate for the job is already a part of our organization in our COO, Stefanie Ink Edwards. We are thrilled that Stefanie will assume the leadership role as CEO of Community Cooperative. We have a highly committed staff and a grassroots network of supporters that is second to none and the Board strongly believes that Stefanie’s strategic vision, exceptional operational talent, focused leadership, and deep commitment to Community Cooperative’s employees and clients are widely known and position the organization for continued success.”
Edwards joined Community Cooperative in 2014 as Development Director. More recently she has served as COO and together with outgoing CEO, Tracey Galloway, helped to rebrand, reenergize, and reposition Community Cooperative as a leading non-profit in Lee County working to end hunger and homelessness.
“I am extremely honored to be given the opportunity to lead an organization that provides such a basic human need to our neighbors and broader community,” said Edwards. “Having been a part of Community Cooperative over the past 6 years and seeing the impact of our services firsthand, I know how important our work is here in southwest Florida, and there is nowhere else I’d rather commit my time, energy, and passion.”
Olivia Galloway, Stefanie Ink Edwards and Tracey Galloway at the 2021 Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit