Glasser/Schoenbaum Center selects executive director

The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center has selected its next leader, as Jay Berman will assume the role of executive director on Jan. 1.

Berman will follow Phil King as the organization’s executive director. King, who began working as executive director in May 2009, announced his retirement earlier this year, though he said he will continue working with the center.

The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center is a not-for-profit organization that houses 17 nonprofit health and human services agencies. The center, founded in 1990, seeks to help improve the quality of life of underserved, low-income community members.

King said Berman was a great choice to fill his position, and that the center’s board of directors conducted an extensive search for his replacement. King said Berman’s background, both personally and professionally, made him a natural fit to serve as the organization’s executive director.

“Jay Berman is a lifelong resident of Sarasota,” King said. “He's in the community on all levels. He has been involved in the not-for-profit world for many years. He knows every agency in town.”

King said Berman has served on Sarasota County’s Human Services Advisory Council, which works closely with the county’s various health and human services nonprofits. According to a press relesae, Berman has worked with the Easter Seals Foundation and Volunteer Community Connections, among other philanthropic organizations. Berman has also served on the board of the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center for the past three years.

King said he will work alongside Berman for the next few weeks to help transition him into the position, and that he was excited to see what Berman can do once he begins working full-time.

“The momentum is so great, and it’s unlimited as to what the center can do,” King said. “We've moved the center to a great level, and with his knowledge and expertise he can move it to an even greater level.”

Contact David Conway at [email protected].

To see photos from "A Tribute to Phil King" click here.