Women’s Resource Center executive director steps down

The Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County will undergo a change in leadership as Executive Director Valerie Goddard steps down.

The non-profit Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County provides women with life-skills training, career services and scholarships. 

Goddard has held the position for two years and will conclude her responsibilities on Oct. 12. Her reason for leaving is to return to public policy, government and her management and strategy consulting firm.

"I am honored to have served the women of Sarasota County as the executive director of the Women's Resource Center of Sarasota County," Goddard said in a press release. "I am confident that this organization will continue to build upon the programs and services that have been established."

Prior to leading the WRCSC Goddard served as executive director of a United Way agency in Tampa and deputy director of child development for the Department of Defense.

Goddard made the announcement to step down to the board during a meeting on Sept. 12. In a press release WRCSC Board of Directors President Jamie Aymerich wished Goddard luck in her future endeavors and showed appreciation for her work with the organization over the last two years. 

"She took a look at some of our programs and found opportunities to create some new programs like the Women’s Veteran initiative to help women with the different needs they’ll face when entering the workforce," Aymerich said. 

Current Director of Development, Barbara Cruz will take Goddard’s place as interim executive director until the position is permanently filled. Cruz joined in July and previously served as executive director for the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation in Venice. 

"Barbara has been there in development role since July," Aymerich said. "She has a pretty good pulse on what’s going on in the organization. It was easier to ask her to step into that role while we determine what we do next."

The board of directors will meet again on Oct. 20 to discuss the next step in filling the position permanently.