About Us

Soukup Strategic Solutions, Inc. was founded in 2012 by the company’s president, Sheryl Soukup, to provide nonprofit organizations with expertise in fundraising and nonprofit management.

Sheryl Soukup, CFRE
President

Soukup’s professional experience spans a wide range of industries and disciplines, with work in nonprofits, small business and corporate environments, including academic and scientific research, manufacturing, market research, retail, restaurants, catering, child care, rental housing, equestrian facility, community centers, churches, hospital and health clinics, schools and universities. Soukup served as an executive director and chief executive officer for nonprofits in Southwest Florida for ten years (2002 to 2012) before founding Soukup Strategic Solutions. Soukup moved to Florida in 2002 from Boston, where she worked for Children’s Hospital Boston and Boston Metro Early Intervention. Soukup holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts. Her background in science provides clients with expertise in data collection and analysis. When applied to nonprofit management, this expertise allows clients to develop strategic goals and effective strategies for measuring success.

Soukup has served in a variety of nonprofit leadership roles in Florida and Massachusetts, including service on boards and committees at the local and statewide level. Soukup is a graduate of Leadership Collier (2008) and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council Partners in Policymaking (2004). Soukup was a recipient of the Women of Achievement Award from the Collier County Chapter of the American Association of University Women (2010) and the Citizen of the Year Award from the Lee County Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (2005). In 2012 Soukup was recognized by Gulfshore Business in “The Influential’s: 29 of Southwest Florida’s Most Powerful Women.” In 2018 Soukup was recognized by the Florida Housing Coalition for “groundbreaking innovation in meeting the housing needs of individuals with disabilities and their families,” related to her work with Residential Options of Florida.

Bernadette Marrero, Administrative Office Coordinator

Bernadette serves as Administrative Office Coordinator at Soukup Strategic Solutions. She brings over 25 years of administrative experience to the Soukup team with a keen focus on excellent customer service, overall administrative support and event planning. Her wealth of experience includes over 13 years with a leading healthcare diagnostics company where she served in various administrative roles and was recognized by senior management for demonstrating strong leadership skills and for being a true team player. She received numerous awards for her dedication to the company and her co-workers and for her ideas, initiative and innovation.

Bernadette takes pride in being the “gate keeper” to our office, ensuring clients are cared for the moment they enter or contact our office. Her warmth and kind, calm demeanor reflects the care each client may expect to receive from the entire Soukup Strategic Solutions team. She excels at coordinating and overseeing Soukup Strategic Solutions team-building initiatives, and organizing events inside and outside our office. She has a passion and commitment to advance the “green” initiative at our company, and is the “go to” person for logistical support and ensuring that our office runs smoothly so our clients always remain our primary focus.

Born and raised in Hudson, NJ, Bernadette and her husband moved to Naples in 2016, soon followed by their daughter Amanda.

Tish Sheesley, Fundraising and Event Planning Specialist

Tish Sheesley serves as the Fundraising and Event Planning Specialist for Soukup Strategic Solutions. With more than 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Tish’s primary passion has always been fundraising and special event management. Tish has developed, coordinated, and managed special event fundraisers from start to finish, including festivals, galas, luncheons, walk-a-thons, multi-day bike tours, bass fishing tournaments, sailing regattas, fine arts and craft shows, trade shows, annual luncheons, and more. Tish is highly accomplished at creating events that are both fiscally successful and fun for event-goers.

Tish has worked for several nonprofits in Florida in her career, wearing a variety of hats in addition to event management, including executive director, assistant director, missions director, etc. Her various roles help her hone her skills in event grant writing, leadership training, donor development, marketing and public relations. Her extensive experience in all aspects of the nonprofit sector make her a valuable asset to Soukup Strategic Solutions and our Clients.

Tish holds a B.A. from the University of Central Florida, with a major in Advertising/Public Relations and a Minor in Radio/TV. In her spare time, Tish enjoys volunteering for a number of nonprofits throughout Florida, as well as camping and reading.

Hannah Reynolds, Fundraising and Event Planning Coordinator

Hannah Reynolds serves as the Fundraising and Event Planning Coordinator for Soukup Strategic Solutions. As a graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University, she brings to the team cutting edge techniques and fresh perspectives. Hannah earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Pre-Law. Hannah is responsible for creating engaging events to expand the reach of clients with the local community through relationship building.

Hannah has worked with various nonprofit organizations on the East Coast to expand their impact through the use of digital marketing campaigns. Through the use of branding and business strategy, she is able to connect donors with nonprofits that will allow them to feel fulfilled through philanthropy.

Hannah moved to Florida in 2017 from upstate New York. When she is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, working out, dancing, watching sports, volunteering, and playing soccer.

Emma Bartone, Fundraising & Event Planning Assistant

Emma Bartone serves as the Fundraising and Event Planning Assistant for Soukup Strategic Solutions. A senior at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), graduating in Fall 2020, Emma brings to the team new ideas and a passion for her work. Her main interests are social media, marketing, and event planning. Emma is majoring in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations.

Emma has worked and volunteered for several nonprofits including Make-A-Wish and Relay for Life. She was the development intern at Make-A-Wish where she assisted with events and silent auctions. She volunteered at Relay for Life’s “Bark for Life”, which honor the life-long contributions of canine caregivers of cancer survivors.

Emma moved to Florida in 2019 from Connecticut when she transferred to FGCU. When she is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, exercising, going to the beach, and staying active.

Maria Breston, Marketing and Graphic Design Specialist

Maria Breston serves as a Marketing and Graphic Design Specialist at Soukup Strategic Solutions. Maria has a strong background in print and digital marketing with more than 20 years in the industry, in a variety of positions, providing leadership and counsel in marketing strategies and branding concepts.

Maria earned a B.S. in Business with a minor in eBusiness at the University of Phoenix. Maria specializes in email marketing and graphic design for both print and web. She utilizes her expertise in business strategy to enhance her marketing efforts at Soukup Strategic Solutions. Maria’s focus is connecting the company and its clients to their target audiences with images and messages that inspire action.

Maria moved to Florida in 2002 from Troy, Michigan. When she’s not in the office, she enjoys time with her husband Andrew, son Gregory, and dog Gracie. The family occupies much of their free time at Gregory’s soccer practices and games, where Maria serves as an active Team Mom.

Riley Randolph, Marketing, Communications, and Grants Coordinator

Riley Randolph serves as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Soukup Strategic Solutions. A graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University, Riley brings to the team cutting edge techniques and fresh perspectives. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies. Riley is responsible for creating new marketing material from start to finish while coordinating the production and publication of communication pieces.

Riley’s volunteer work with various nonprofit organizations provides her with valuable insight on the needs of nonprofit organizations. Riley has served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee for both Florida Gulf Coast University and the ASUN Conference.

While playing softball for the university, Riley has achieved many of the highest honors within her sport. In 2016 she was named Pitcher and Freshman of the Year as well as First Team All-Conference in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Watch her here on Wink News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lzP9h__tdE. As a finalist for the 2019 Eagle Scholar Athlete of the Year award, Riley is no stranger to hard work both on the field and in the classroom.

Soukup Strategic Solutions values Riley’s fresh ideas and intense work ethic. She is a prized member of our marketing and communications team, providing behind-the-scenes support to many of our clients.