News

Table of Contents | Return to Main Newsletter Page

The Florida Grantor, Winter 2007

The Able Trust Honors President & CEO, Sharon Griffith, MBA

It was a momentous occasion. A simple celebration joining the leaders of the disability community in honor of one leaderÕs passion, dedication and service.

On Sept. 14, 2007, The Able Trust honored The Able Trust President and CEO, Sharon Griffith, MBA, for her service to The Able Trust. Ms. Griffith, who served for 14 years, will retire this quarter.

The reception honoring Ms. Griffith was held in conjunction with The Able Trust quarterly Board Meeting. The event welcomed nearly 100 community supporters, community leaders, and political dignitaries.

As Mistress of Ceremony, Florence Seiler, Vice Chair of The Able Trust Board of Directors, presided over an evening filled with meaningful tributes.

The evening also featured special presentation from The Honorable Representative Loranne Ausley and Ms. Peggy Connell, President & CEO of Community of Haven in Sarasota.

The evening became a heartfelt affair as Mr. Warren Jernigan, past Director of The Able Trust, shared stories of the first years of a small, growing and zealous organization.

Now nearly two decades later, The Able Trust is a thriving organization that has experienced steady growth and is providing support to more than 2,000 individuals with disabilities each year and awarding more than $2 million annually in grant funding.

In 1992, the first year of grant-giving, The Able Trust awarded $128,000 in grants for the employment of individuals with disabilities. Today, The Able Trust has awarded more than $21 million in grants.

During her tenure, Ms. Griffith has also worked diligently to keep The Able Trust in the state and national spotlight, serving two terms as chair of the National Association of GovernorsÕ Committee on People with Disabilities. She was also instrumental in creating legislation to help increase funding for people with disabilities through The Able Trust and statewide disabilities organizations through the Personal Care Attendant Program and FloridaÕs only Motorcycle Specialty License Plate (BikerÕs Care Tag). Ms. Griffith also established a statewide endowment program that will continue to assist The Able Trust in achieving its mission well into the future.

As she took the reigns of President of The Able Trust, she did so with a wealth of experience and wisdom in the nonprofit sector and disability community.

Prior to joining The Able Trust, Ms. Griffith served with diligence as the Executive Director for the National WomenÕs Party, located in Washington, D.C.

Ms. Griffith has established a strong foundation and has paved the way for a brilliant future.