From Collaboration Comes Action: Meet Gulf Coast’s Community Leadership Team

At Gulf Coast, community leadership is grounded in listening, collaboration, and action. Our work is driven by local insight and shared responsibility, bringing together voices, ideas, and resources to strengthen our region from within. Every initiative is designed to flow back into the community to help families, friends, and neighbors thrive as we build a more resilient future together. 

Meet the Community Leadership team and learn more about their roles: 

Erin Minor

Vice President of Community Leadership 

Erin serves as the strategic anchor for Community Leadership. Every day, she connects the team’s efforts – from facilitating the grant-making process to establishing meaningful partnerships with community leaders – to help shape Gulf Coast’s regional impact. 
 

Jennifer Johnston

Director of Community Leadership 

Jennifer is a key collaborator with community leaders and change-makers. She connects with organizations across sectors to expand essential resources like affordable housing, mental health care, and programs that help students learn and thrive in all corners of our community. 

Jon Thaxton

Director of Policy and Advocacy 

Jon is an expert in creating long-lasting community change. He utilizes his extensive and deep care of our region and its people to establish powerful, proactive partnerships. 

Jess Blagdon

Grants and Evaluation Officer 

Jess is Gulf Coast’s go-to resource for all things related to competitive grants. She helps organizations navigate the application process, tracks outcomes, and ensures Gulf Coast’s community investments are informed by data, making a real difference across the region. 

Tiona Settles

Community Partnerships Officer 

Tiona works closely with area leaders to develop real-time results for our region. She connects community partners with opportunities to expand their services and provides essential resources to those who need support across our region. 

Harriet Thompson

Community Leadership Coordinator 

Harriet is a storied part of Gulf Coast’s history. Having been part of the organization for more than 20 years, she knows the ins and outs of the community foundation style and applies that knowledge to help strengthen Gulf Coast’s role in our region. 

From collaborating with local leadership to develop community-first programming to advocating for proactive change in our neighborhoods and natural areas, every effort we take is guided by collaboration and care. Our Community Leadership team works alongside our nonprofit partners to turn shared priorities into meaningful, lasting progress. 

One team. Many perspectives. All focused on our community. 

Learn more at www.gulfcoastcf.org/community-partners