Community Foundation names Michael J. Bracci board chair

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties named Michael J. Bracci as board chair and added Kenneth R. Kennerly to its board on July 1, 2026. The leadership changes come as the nonprofit looks to expand its regional philanthropy work across Palm Beach and Martin counties.

Why it matters: - The leadership changes come as the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties works to address chronic and emerging issues across Palm Beach and Martin counties. - Bracci brings decades of financial and nonprofit leadership experience to a role that helps guide the foundation’s grantmaking and community strategy. - Kennerly adds sports marketing, event management and partnership experience to a board that supports local philanthropy.

What happened: - The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties named Michael J. Bracci chair of its Board of Directors on July 1, 2026. - Kenneth R. Kennerly joined the Board of Directors. - Jeffrey A. Stoops ended his tenure as chair and will remain on the board as vice chair.

The details: - Bracci had been serving as vice chair before taking over as board chair. - Bracci joined the board in May 2019. - Bracci previously served as chair of the Investment Committee, treasurer, chair of the Finance Committee and member of the Executive and Finance Committees. - Bracci is executive vice president of Northern Trust Company and president of the company’s South Region, Wealth Management. - Bracci joined Northern Trust in 1993 and has more than 30 years of experience in banking, finance, investment management, private banking, trust and fiduciary management, family office and banking solutions and wealth planning. - Bracci has held leadership roles at the Nicklaus Children’s Healthcare Foundation, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, The Benjamin School, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County and Town of Palm Beach United Way. - Kennerly is a 37-year veteran of the sports marketing and event management industry. - Kennerly’s background includes athlete management, corporate consulting, PGA TOUR event development and management and strategic brand partnerships in sports and golf. - Kennerly is president and CEO of K2 Sports Ventures, LLC. - Kennerly is managing director and owner of The Palm Beaches Marathon, LLC. - Kennerly is executive director of the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, a PGA TOUR Champions event. - Kennerly is executive vice president of Pro Links Sports and senior adviser at PopStroke Entertainment. - Kennerly serves on multiple boards, including the Palm Beach County Business Development Board, Palm Beach County Sports Commission, The First Tee of Florida’s Gold Coast, Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, American Junior Golf Association, Chamber of the Palm Beaches and Owen Cheatham Foundation. - As of July 1, 2026, the board includes Mary Pat Alcus, Kristen Bissett, Michael J. Bracci, Nancy G. Brinker, Susan P. Brockway, Sheree Davis Cunningham, Julie Fisher Cummings, Danita R. DeHaney, James “Chip” DiPaula Jr., William E. Donnell, Earnie Ellison Jr., Phyllis M. Gillespie, Dennis S. Hudson III, Tammy Jackson-Moore, Joanne Julien, Kenneth R. Kennerly, Marti M. LaTour, David Mérot, Elizabeth R. Neuhoff, Kevin Powers, Pam Rauch, Gabrielle Raymond McGee, Laurie S. Silvers, Jeffrey A. Stoops and Kenneth West II. - The Community Foundation says Bracci’s financial expertise and Kennerly’s entrepreneurial mindset will support its continued expansion of regional reach and impact.

Between the lines: - The board changes pair a finance-and-wealth-management executive with a veteran of sports events and brand partnerships. - The mix suggests the foundation is leaning on both governance experience and community-network depth as it broadens its philanthropic footprint. - Bracci’s long record with regional nonprofits underscores how local civic leadership often circulates across the same major institutions.

What's next: - Bracci will lead the board as the foundation continues its philanthropy work in Palm Beach and Martin counties. - Kennerly’s addition expands the board’s bench as the organization pursues local partnerships and grantmaking. - The foundation will continue operating with its stated focus on youth and education, economic opportunity, thriving communities and crisis preparation and response.

The bottom line: - The Community Foundation is refreshing its leadership with two high-profile local figures as it looks to deepen its impact across the region.

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