Katrina Bellemare is ready to pass the torch to Katie Becker
Parenting Matters, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families, has selected Katie Becker as its next Executive Director. Becker will begin her new role on May 16, 2022.
In March, the current Executive Director, Katrina Bellemare, announced she will be moving to South Carolina with her family early this summer. Parenting Matters’ Board of Directors completed a thorough search and hiring process to ensure a seamless transition. Bellemare joined Parenting Matters, then Family Partnership Center, in 2008 and was promoted to the role of Executive Director in 2013. Under her leadership, Parenting Matters’ growth boomed from an annual budget of $400,000 to more than $1 million.
Becker’s transition to Executive Director comes after being a long-time supporter of Parenting Matters, and most recently serving on its Board of Directors. She brings with her strong ties to Manatee and Sarasota Counties’ nonprofit sector and an extensive background in fundraising, marketing, and strategic leadership. “Parenting Matters was first introduced to me through my work with United Way. I immediately connected with the message that there isn’t an instruction manual to raising children,” states Becker. “I remain impressed how Parenting Matters’ professionals build genuine trust with families and help create a positive solution together that impacts generations. I am excited to take this next step and lead Parenting Matters with integrity, accountability, and authenticity.”
“It wasn’t about finding the right-sized feet to fill my shoes, but the right-sized heart to carry on this important work,” says Bellemare. “Katie has that heart and so much more. She is passionate, genuine, wise, and ridiculously talented. I have no doubt she will ensure parents and children continue to receive the highest quality of services and will take Parenting Matters to new heights. I am thrilled to pass the torch to Katie.”