Announcing Elizabeth Welch, J.D. as Director of Professional Advisor Relationships

Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Welch, J.D., to Director of Professional Advisor Relationships beginning June 2025. In her new role at Gulf Coast, Welch is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with professional advisors – including financial planners, attorneys, trust officers, and accountants – who work closely with Gulf Coast’s philanthropic partners.  

Welch has more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, major gifts, and legacy and gift planning. A passionate advocate for philanthropy, she has dedicated her career to designing innovative giving solutions and leading strategic fundraising efforts across higher education, conservation, healthcare, and international relief organizations.  

As Director of Professional Advisor Relationships, she cultivates meaningful partnerships with professional advisors by providing impactful giving strategies to maximize charitable contributions and foster a deep sense of fulfillment for their clients. She focuses on key areas of relationship management, philanthropic strategy and education, and strategic outreach planning to grow the impact of current and potential fundholders. 

“Elizabeth’s extensive experience in strategic philanthropy will amplify Gulf Coast’s capacity to serve our donors,” said Joe Carter, CAP®, Vice President of Philanthropy. “Her ability to engage and align with professional advisors will expand our reach to assist with solutions for their charitably oriented clients.” 

Welch has held previous roles at Nativity Prep Academy in San Diego, CA; the National Parks Conservation Association; and Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center. Prior to joining Gulf Coast, she served as Philanthropic Advisor, Legacy & Gift Planning at Food For The Poor, one of the largest non-denominational faith-based relief institutions that aids communities in the Caribbean and Latin America. 

With her dynamic experience, Welch is poised to bolster Gulf Coast’s network of philanthropic partnerships. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law and a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas. She is a former board member of Charitable Gift Planners Tampa Bay, Tampa ‘Canes Community, and Hispanic Unity of Florida. She has also been accepted into the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Engage Sarasota class of 2026. 

Welch reports to Carter and is joined by Priscilla Boward, Philanthropic Services Associate; Lauren Hersh, Philanthropic Advisor; Emily Joslin, Philanthropic Advisor; Sasha Pyatte, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships; and Kristin Taylor, Philanthropic Administrator. Welch can be reached via e-mail at ewelch@gulfcoastcf.org.