Trust introduces Goldwire, Sumner as COO, CFO
The Children’s Trust of Alachua County has welcomed two familiar faces to new positions. Kristy Goldwire, the director of program operations since 2020, is the new Chief Operating Officer. While Scott Sumner is a more recent addition, taking over the role of interim finance director in May, he quickly set an agenda for the fiscal department and will now lead it as the new Chief Financial Officer.
“I am excited to officially join the Children’s Trust and be a contributing member,” Sumner said. “I want to support the continuing children’s initiatives in our community.”
Sumner launched his career in academic medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine during the early 1990s. In 2002, he earned his M.B.A. at the University of Florida Warrington College of Business Administration. Throughout his career, Sumner has held a range of roles, from Department Administrator to Associate Dean for Administration and Finance, and most recently Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, Scott received Leadership Coaching certification through the Georgetown Institute for Transformation Leadership.
“The Trust is thrilled to welcome someone with a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success as our new CFO,” said Marsha Kiner, Executive Director. “Scott brings so much knowledge to our organization from his previous roles as well as a fresh perspective with a focus on trends, processes, and training. Since joining us as interim finance director, the Trust has flourished under his guidance.”
Sumner placed an early focus on streamlining financial processes, enhancing budget management, and fostering greater transparency and efficiency.
“Moving forward, I want to continue the momentum of supporting our providers,” Sumner said. “I plan to continue working with the finance team and ensure we are being responsive to our providers and the Children's Trust team.”
Kiner said the restructuring is reflective of the evolving needs of the growing organization. This includes Goldwire’s new title, which Kiner says more accurately describes the role the former director of program operations has filled.
“I’m excited about this new chapter,” Goldwire said. “The transition allows me to make additional improvements to our procedures, expanding our relationship building with organizations and providers.”
Goldwire joined the Children’s Trust as director of program operations in November 2020, but her tenure also included serving as interim executive director until Kiner was selected for the role in late 2022. Goldwire is the former Executive Director for Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition in Tallahassee, where she was responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Coalition, staff, programs, sustainability, and execution of its mission for 11 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s in social work administration from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University.
While both titles are new, only the CFO title replaces the former director of finance. Goldwire will oversee several departments and personnel, including the new (but currently vacant) director of program operations.
“Kristy brings exceptional ideas and plans for advancing the Children’s Trust,” Kiner said. “Her ability to forecast evolving needs, determine necessary resources, implement changes, streamline and improve existing processes is top-notch. We are lucky to have her.”
With Goldwire’s new supervision of the Communications and Community Engagement departments, she is focused on bringing all of the departments under her umbrella together to increase awareness of the services the Children’s Trust provides.
“The Children’s Trust is well-positioned to navigate our growing needs smoothly with both Scott and Kristy in their new positions,” Kiner said. “Our organization will be strengthened by their leadership and experienced guidance.”
