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Executive Director
Realize Bradenton Executive Director Karen Corbin has been advancing the organization’s mission since she began as the Development Director in 2019. In 2022, Karen assumed the position of Executive Director and brings her experience in management, development, and building partnerships to her role.
Karen’s previous work has equipped her with the skills needed to lead Realize Bradenton through the leadership transition and into the future of the organization.
Prior to bringing her talents to Realize Bradenton, Karen has worked in leadership roles in education and healthcare with the National Kidney Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Chase Collegiate School, National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Director of Communications & Community Engagement
Andrea joined the Realize Bradenton team in 2020 and brings experience, education, and dedication to her role. She is a natural in this position since she naturally promotes The Friendly City in all she does.
Prior to working at Realize Bradenton, she worked for the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, New College of Florida, and Gallup. Andrea is also an active member of the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and has served on that board for five years.
Andrea is Accredited in Public Relations (APR), a national designation that demonstrates personal drive, professional acumen, a commitment to ethics, and dedication to lifelong learning. She has also earned a Bachelor’s degree with dual majors in Communication and Sociology and a Master’s degree from Indiana University.
In addition, she is an avid fan of local history and has written Vigilance, a novel based on an event in local history, co-owns Compass Rose History Experiences, and serves as the Vice President for Friends of Manatee Village. She is also a graduate of Leadership Manatee Class 34 (with Cindy)!
Office Manager
Cindy began working with Realize Bradenton in 2023 and brings experience working closely with our local community to her role. Her commitment to community is seen through her passion for the Realize Bradenton mission.
Prior to working with Realize Bradenton, Cindy was active in the community through her 10 years of experience with the SunCoast Blood Centers. At SunCoast Blood Centers she served as the Senior Donor Group Representative and a Speaker. She advocated for the importance of blood donation and coordinated blood drives throughout the community. Prior to calling Florida home, Cindy lived in Virginia where she worked for Northwest Design/Build/Renovate as a Managing Partner and as a designer at Kitchen Works.
Cindy is currently involved in the Bradenton Woman’s Club and a proud member of Leadership Manatee Class 34 (with Andrea)! She is a compassionate person who has spent over 15 years volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Senior Visitors in Virginia and has been an advocate and caregiver for Alzheimer patients.
Director of Operations
Jodi has been a valued member of the Realize Bradenton team since 2015. Her extensive background in parks and recreation departments has equipped her with exceptional skills in leadership, fundraising, and strategic planning.
Jodi spent 24 years with Rockford Park District in Illinois as Deputy Director of Recreation Services. In this role she oversaw 350 employees and a $10 million operating budget as she worked with revenue facilities, internal support departments, and coordinated the Art in Public Places Public Art Committee.
After relocating to Florida she worked with the Friends of Sarasota County Parks and currently volunteers in her neighborhood by serving on the Waterlefe Golf and River Club MPOA Board of Directors. Jodi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Communications from Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin.
Events Manager
Kristie began working with Realize Bradenton in January of 2021 when she took on the role of coordinating our new entrepreneurship program, the Start-Up Circle. Since then, she has continued to become more involved in the organization and became our Events Manager in 2023.
Kristie’s ability to bring people together can be seen throughout her 30 years of experience in financial services where, as Vice President of Wealth Management, she managed teams of financial and wealth managers. She is a Certified Senior Advisor and currently runs her own business dedicated to preparing people for life’s interruptions. Kristie is also devoted to the American Heart Association and over the last decade has been a corporate lead, a team captain, and served on the Suncoast Heart Walk Executive Leadership Committee. If Kristie looks familiar, you might have seen her as a speaker at TedX Bradenton!
Market Manager
Since Heather started leading the Bradenton Market in 2021, the Market’s vendors and attendance have more than doubled. Her positive attitude and attention to detail have made Bradenton a must-see destination!
Even though Heather first joined us in 2021, she’s no stranger to the Market world. Prior to coming to Bradenton, she spent over eight years in a variety of roles at the Sarasota Farmers Market and learned all of the skills – from vendor management to marketing – that are required to make a Market thrive.
In addition to her work at the Market, Heather is passionate about uplifting and empowering area youth. She created the Youth Booth program at the Market, is actively involved on the Advisory Council for Healthy Teens, and has volunteered as the Room Parent in our local elementary schools.
P.O. Box 9114
Bradenton, FL 34206
Info@RealizeBradenton.com
Voicemail: (941) 301-8445
P.O. Box 9114
Bradenton, FL 34206
Info@RealizeBradenton.com
Voicemail: (941) 301-8445