BARZELLA PAPA

PRESIDENT & CEO, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA, GAINESVILLE

The Community Foundation of North Central Florida stewards charitable dollars on behalf of individuals, families and nonprofits, addressing community needs and building the capacity of the local nonprofit sector. Papa has led the foundation for 19 years and has overseen the distribution of more than $50 million in support of local initiatives.

EDUCATION: University of Alabama (BA)

FIRST JOB: My very first job was in special events for Gayfers department store while still in high school. In college, I worked for The Crimson White, the student newspaper, and served as director of the Student News Bureau for University Relations while also working off campus.

INDUSTRY TREND: We are currently in the midst of the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in American history. … So many industries will be impacted. It is critical that nonprofit organizations are asking their donor base for legacy gifts. It is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.