Mason Ayres is president of Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation—a position he has held since 2016. The Healthcare Foundation is the philanthropic partner of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, which provides the hospital with critical resources through grants in the key areas of patient care, education, clinical research, technology and facilities. In his role as president, Mr. Ayres is responsible for strategic direction, financial performance, and the expansion of the Healthcare Foundation’s development program. Under his leadership, the Healthcare Foundation has achieved historic levels in campaign, annual, and event fundraising. In addition to improving the Healthcare Foundation’s development performance, Mr. Ayres has increased operational efficiencies and elevated the brand’s market position to one of the community’s most successful fundraising organizations. Prior to joining the Healthcare Foundation, he spent nine years at NCH Healthcare System in Naples, Florida, overseeing the major gift development programs. Before joining NCH, he served as director of planned giving for Ave Maria University in Naples, and had an extensive career in the travel/hospitality industry holding key marketing and management positions with Universal Studios® Orlando. Mr. Ayres is a certified financial planner and a certified fundraising executive. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Florida State University. He and his wife, Anne, have three children.