Commissioner Thaxton Takes Job With Gulf Coast Foundation

Departing County Commissioner Jon Thaxton will not have to file unemployment when his term ends in November.

Thaxton will be the director of community investment for the Gulf Coast Community Foundation in Venice beginning Monday, according to a press release issued by the foundation.

Thaxton will work part-time until his term as Sarasota County Commissioner ends in mid-November at which point he will become a full-time staff member, according to the foundation.

“Jon brings a rich blend of local history and strategic vision which will match perfectly with our current staff,” said Teri A Hansen, the foundation's president and CEO said in a news release. “We are excited he has decided to join us as he completes his public service career in Sarasota.”

Thaxton, of Osprey, could no longer run for county commissioner for a fourth term after the Florida Supreme Court ruled that the county has the right to . Thaxton has spent 12 years in office as county commissioner.

So he attempted a heated against incumbent Kathy Dent and , leaving him to look for gainful employment.

In his new job, Thaxton will engage donors and community partners through initiatives in workforce, economic development and other Gulf Coast priorities that will result in systemic improvements throughout the region.

“Jon was selected over dozens of applicants from around the country,” added Mark Pritchett, senior vice president for community investment.  “He can step right in and help us with a variety of important issues like unemployment, homelessness, and education.”