MANATEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION EXPANDS BOARD LEADERSHIP WITH NEW APPOINTMENTS 

As Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) continues to expand its reach and impact, the organization has appointed two new members to its Board of Directors: Raj Mathur and Trudy Moon. These accomplished leaders bring decades of professional expertise and a strong record of civic involvement that will help further MCF’s mission to strengthen Manatee County through philanthropy, leadership, and engagement. 

Raj Mathur, P.E., is the founder and President of Raj Mathur Construction & Engineering, Inc., a respected firm he launched in 1994. A licensed Professional Engineer and Class A contractor, he is known for his focus on quality and client satisfaction. His long-standing contributions to local organizations include serving as a trustee for The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, a board member for Leadership Manatee, and a former state director for the Florida Engineering Society. 

Trudy Moon is co-owner of Air & Energy, a well-regarded local business that has grown under her guidance from five employees to a staff of 50. A dedicated civic advocate, she has chaired both the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce and Blake Medical Center, while consistently supporting a wide range of local causes through her professional and personal efforts. 

In addition to welcoming new members, MCF has announced newly appointed board officers: 

• Chair: Dannie Sherrill – As project manager at Sherrill Wealth Management, Dannie brings extensive experience in strategic planning and philanthropic engagement across Manatee and Sarasota counties. 

• Vice Chair: Amanda Horne – Amanda, co-founder of the nationally recognized Dive Into Reading program, leads marketing and outreach for Oysters Rock Hospitality and is a longtime advocate for educational access. 

• Treasurer: Garrett Shinn – A trusted advisor with more than a decade of experience, Garrett oversees Carr, Riggs & Ingram’s Bradenton and Sarasota offices, where he specializes in tax strategy and compliance. 

• Secretary: Susie Walters – Susie’s decades of service in nonprofit leadership have helped shape key initiatives in education, housing, and health services across the region. 

MCF also onboards new committee members: Brian Carter, William Cummings, John Fetsick, Joe Flores, and Nicholas Irving. 

 “This is a time of meaningful momentum for MCF,” said Veronica Thames, CEO. “Raj and Trudy, along with our newly appointed officers and new committee members, bring fresh perspectives and a shared belief in the power of community-led change. We’re excited to welcome them, and we look forward to the insight and leadership they’ll bring to our work.” 

With the guidance of its board, and in partnership with local donors and organizations, MCF will continue to address pressing needs and invest in opportunities that create lasting impact across Manatee County.