The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg (FHSP) has announced the appointment of Dr. Kanika Tomalin as its next President and CEO. Dr. Tomalin’s local leadership has crossed public and private sectors. She was also instrumental in the creation of the conversion foundation during her time as Bayfront Health System’s Vice President of Strategic Planning & Public Affairs.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Tomalin will lend her tremendous experience and expertise to lead this organization into its next chapter,” said Dr. Donna Petersen, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “Our community faces tremendous challenges but is also poised to seize opportunities. Dr. Tomalin’s deep commitment, long-standing relationships and record of trajectory-shifting outcomes made her our clear choice. Her leadership will reinforce our commitment to achieve racial and health equity.”
Searching for a new CEO
Dr. Tomalin’s appointment follows a nationwide search that included extensive community outreach to the St. Petersburg community. Feedback was received from community leaders, ranging from business and health experts to clergy and local activists. Over 75 people shared their ideas and priorities for the ideal qualifications and background of a new leader. In addition to the required executive experience, the importance of integrity, relationship building and community engagement emerged as the most important.
Over the last decade, the Foundation has awarded millions of dollars to local organizations. This includes the creation of the Center for Health Equity. The Foundation works in the communities it serves to address health disparities, advance population health and achieve health equity through the advancement of racial equity.
“I am deeply committed to the mission, purpose and possibilities for the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and I am excited to lead this talented team,” said Dr. Tomalin. “It is a continuation of my life’s work to create a healthier, more equitable community.”
More about Dr. Kanika Tomalin
Dr. Tomalin currently serves as Eckerd College’s Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Strategy. Before that she served eight years as Deputy Mayor for the City of St. Petersburg, including four as City Administrator.
Accomplishments during this time include
- Founding the Innovation District
- Creation of the Healthy St. Pete initiative
- Helping reduce African-American poverty to a record low
- Guiding St. Petersburg through its pandemic response.
Dr. Tomalin is the fifth-generation of her family to call St. Pete home. Dr. Tomalin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She also has an MBA from the University of Miami, and a Doctorate in law and policy from Northeastern University. More than two decades ago, Dr. Tomalin joined Bayfront Health System as a fundraiser. The then advanced through the ranks to the C-suite. As the regional vice president of external affairs, she led the creation of the joint-venture partnership that resulted in the creation of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg.
“The Foundation for Healthy St. Petersburg plays a vital role advocating for equity in this community,” said Gwendolyn Reese, President, Florida African-American Heritage Association. “Dr. Tomalin understands this vision, and we are thrilled that she will be leading this organization.”
Dr. Tomalin will begin at the Foundation in mid June.
