Community Cooperative announces CEO transition

Community Cooperative announces CEO transition
Galloway to step down; Edwards to succeed
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 1, 2021) – The board of directors of Community Cooperative has appointed Stefanie Ink Edwards as chief executive officer, effective June 14. Edwards succeeds Tracey Galloway, who has announced her retirement after 10 years with the organization.
“Leading and transforming Community Cooperative into the dynamic human services organization we are today has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am thrilled to pass the baton to Stefanie who has been an amazing leader in our organization for the past six years,” Galloway said. “I’m proud of the organization we’ve built, humbled by the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of working with and pleased that our achievements will continue to make our community a better place to live for years to come.”
Community Cooperative’s board chairman Keith Banasiak said Galloway has accomplished a great deal in 10 years. “She articulated a vision for the organization and centered our mission, while greatly improving fundraising capabilities and building our volunteer base and service footprint across the county,” he said. “She gave Community Cooperative a strong voice full of creativity and passion.”
Banasiak said the board has been planning the transition for the better part of a year and are thrilled to be able promote from within the organization. “We have a highly committed staff and a grassroots network of supporters that is second to none,” he said. “The board strongly believes that Stefanie’s strategic vision, exceptional operational talent, focused leadership and deep commitment to Community Cooperative’s employees and clients are widely known and position the organization for continued success.”
Edwards joined Community Cooperative in 2014 as development director. More recently she has served as COO and together with Galloway, helped to rebrand, reenergize and reposition Community Cooperative as a leading nonprofit in Lee County working to end hunger and homelessness.
“I am extremely honored to be given the opportunity to lead an organization that provides such a basic human need to our neighbors and broader community,” said Edwards. “Having been a part of Community Cooperative over the past six years and seeing the impact of our services firsthand, I know how important our work is here in Southwest Florida. There is nowhere else I’d rather commit my time, energy, and passion.”
About Community Cooperative
For 37 years, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity. For more resources and information on how to get involved, contact Tami Holliday at [email protected] or call 239-332-7687 ext. 125. Monetary donations are always welcomed and can be made directly at www.CommunityCooperative.com, or mailed to: Community Cooperative, P.O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL 33902.