Sam Valentin

Sam first connected with Sunshine Community Compost in 2017 when founder and executive director, Tracie Troxler, appeared on a radio show Sam co-hosted. Hearing Tracie’s knowledge and passion for composting hooked Sam and she has been a composting advocate and enthusiast ever since. Sam is a Florida native, born and raised in sunny Sarasota. She has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of South Florida and is an internationally Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) through the Digital Marketing Institute as well as a Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) through the American Marketing Association. She is additionally certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace through the University of South Florida and as a Climate Change Communications Trainer through the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI). In her current role as Director of Marketing and Events for Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Sam is responsible for developing and executing effective marketing, communication, and event strategies to engage and educate the local community on the importance of land conservation and environmental protection in general. Sam is a Leadership Sarasota graduate and sits on both the JEDI Committee and Membership Committee of NNOCCI’s Governing Council. She is passionate about environmental media and communications, environmental justice, and greater representation in conservation and outdoor recreation. In her spare time, Sam loves camping, spending time with her husband and two young children, exploring nature with friends, and learning more about our incredible planet.