Polk Education Foundation Announces New Executive Director to Guide Local Nonprofit’s Charitable Efforts
Posted on 08/07/2024
Tracy Porter, Executive DirectorThe Polk Education Foundation proudly announces a new Executive Director has been chosen to guide the local nonprofit’s charitable efforts supporting public school students and teachers.

Tracy Porter said she is humbled to be selected as the foundation’s new leader, and excited to serve the community.

“It is an absolute honor to follow in the footsteps of longtime Executive Director Susan Copeland, who made such a profound positive impact on countless lives,” said Porter. “It will be a privilege to work alongside the Foundation board and team, and everyone associated with Polk County Public Schools, to do everything in our power to help the system succeed,” she said.

“I envision that there are infinite possibilities to help uplift students, teachers, and staff,” said Porter. “I look forward to discovering and sharing the important role that volunteerism, philanthropy, and advocacy play in the overall formula. I am thrilled to return to serving all of Polk County and once again work with like-minded individuals who are passionate about how critical a quality education is to overall quality of life.”

Porter is a native Floridian, born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, and living in Polk County since 2006. She has an associate’s degree from Broward College, a bachelor’s degree from Nova Southeastern University, a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, and doctoral studies at Capella University.

Porter joined AdventHealth in October 2020, and most recently served as the Foundation Executive Director for Celebration, a position she assumed in October 2023. During her time as the Foundation Executive Director for Polk County, she enjoyed working in collaboration with the Foundation’s Central
and West Florida division teams, as well as the AdventHealth Heart of Florida and Lake Wales administration and colleagues, to build a board of 25 respected, dedicated community leaders who have worked in unison to raise approximately $650,000 in commitments to advance health care.

Prior to joining AdventHealth, Porter was Polk State College’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement, and the Executive Director of its Foundation for almost 15 years. During her tenure, she worked with the Foundation board of directors and professional team to raise more than $77.5 million — which doubled the Foundation’s assets from when she arrived — plus an additional $15 million raised for the Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center. She has been a professional fundraiser for almost 30 years, generating more than $100 million to benefit health care, education and the arts. Outside of
work, she cherishes spending time with loved ones and enjoys shooting sporting clays — a sport she is certified to teach and likes sharing with others.