Simone Peterson has joined the Manatee Community Foundation as Community Investment Officer. In this role, Peterson will oversee grants and scholarships, build and sustain relationships with nonprofit and community partners, and support donors.

Peterson comes to the Foundation after a 14-year career with Manatee County Government. She was born and raised in Manatee County and  holds a MBA and a master's of public administration from University of South Florida. At Manatee County Government, she managed grant funding for neighborhood enhancement projects; supervised staff members to accomplish division and departmental goals; served as a liaison between Manatee County Government and assigned neighborhoods; built partnerships between nonprofits, neighborhoods, governments to solve or mitigate challenges within neighborhoods; and researched and implemented programs and initiatives that may benefit Manatee County residents. She is also a small business owner.