The Sharing Center Names Tekoa Pouerie New President and CEO

After a thoughtful nationwide search under the direction of a dedicated search committee of local business, community, and nonprofit leaders, The Sharing Center in Longwood is proud to introduce Tekoa Pouerie as its next President and CEO. Tekoa brings nearly 20 years of executive nonprofit leadership to The Sharing Center, which is Seminole County's largest and most comprehensive social services hub, and she will guide the organization into an exciting new chapter with the development of The Sharing Commons workforce attainable housing community.

"Tekoa is the right leader at the right time for The Sharing Center," says Michelle Smith, Chairman of The Sharing Center Board of Directors. "She is a proven executive, a proven fundraiser, and Tekoa has the heart and compassion to bring the dignified solutions we offer for poverty and homelessness to more of our neighbors in need."

Before joining The Sharing Center, Tekoa served as Vice President at the National Office of Pace Center for Girls. She was responsible for organizational strategy, donor development, and executive leadership across 21 Pace Centers in the State of Florida. Tekoa's previous experience includes Harbor House of Central Florida, where she served as Chief Development Officer, and Power Promise Organization, Inc., where Tekoa rose from Director of Operations to Executive Director.

"I'm incredibly honored for the opportunity to continue The Sharing Center's extraordinary legacy here in Seminole County and help build the organization for a future that is as bright as it is critically important in our community," says Tekoa. "The Sharing Center's services are more needed than ever, and the people we serve inspire us with their strength and resilience. I want the community to hear those stories and understand the essential work we do. In the coming months, I look forward to engaging with our partners, expanding our community impact, and laying the groundwork for long-term, transformational solutions.”

"At The Sharing Center, we are proud to deliver five life-changing programs – from our Oasis drop-in center for the homeless to our renowned mental-health services, food pantry, and more – and we do it all in a responsible, financially sustainable manner," says Michelle. "Our next goal, with Tekoa at the helm, is to help solve Seminole County's attainable housing crisis at The Sharing Commons. There is much to be done. Tekoa has the full support of our Board of Directors, and I know she'll receive the same level of support from the community."

On behalf of The Sharing Center Board of Directors, Michelle would like to offer a very warm thank-you to the dedicated leaders who were part of The Sharing Center's CEO search committee. Their valuable input and participation are examples of why this community is so blessed with leaders dedicated to helping others:

• Michelle Smith, Source 1 MCI, The Sharing Center (TSC) Board Chairman
• Steve Reed, retired Ross executive, Past TSC Board Chairman
• Brian Cox, Merrill Private Wealth Management, Past TSC Board Chairman
• Larry Bonner, Duke Energy, TSC Executive Board Vice-Chair
• Chip Colandreo, Lake Mary Life Publishing, TSC Executive Board Vice-Chair
• Michael Heald, Purvis Gray, TSC Executive Board Member
• Lee Johnson, AdventHealth, TSC Executive Board Member
• Brendan Burke, Merrill Private Wealth Management, TSC Board Member
• Bryan Beyer, Seminole County Sheriff's Office, TSC Board Member
• John Gyllin, Seminole State College, Vice President, Resource and Economic Development

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About The Sharing Center:

Through Christ, The Sharing Center provides dignified solutions for those experiencing poverty and homelessness. The organization was founded in 1986 when leaders from 17 churches around Central Florida saw a need in our community and joined together to meet it. Today, The Sharing Center has become the most comprehensive social services hub in Seminole County, serving those impacted by hardships, hunger, and homelessness.

You can connect with and follow @Tekoa Pouerie on LinkedIn. For more information about The Sharing Center and its programs, please visit TheSharingCenter.org.