I’ve proudly called Gainesville home for several seasons of my life, but community has always been my through-line. As a military kid who moved often, I learned early how powerful it is when people intentionally build connection and that’s shaped both my life and career.

Before joining Santa Fe College as Director of Development, I spent nearly 14 years with the University of Florida as both a frontline fundraiser and in alumni engagement, building volunteer networks and philanthropic programs that connected people back to purpose.

Today, my work at Santa Fe is grounded in expanding opportunity. Our students are future nurses, first responders, entrepreneurs, and skilled trades professionals and many are supported through transformative programs like ACB Excel, Freedom to Learn, and Displaced Homemakers. These initiatives remove barriers and create real pathways to stability and success.

My focus has been strengthening alumni engagement and inviting the community to invest in students in meaningful ways.

What I love about GAWN is women championing one another. Collaboration over competition changes everything.

My best advice? Build trust first. The rest follows.

Outside of work, I love being outdoors, especially on the water, paddleboarding or floating. I also volunteer with Oh Hey, Dog! a dog behavior nonprofit as VP/COO.  I run a book club, love trying new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with friends and my Labrador, Harper.

Carré Saunders

Director of Development
Office of Advancement
352.395.5201 (o) | 954.254.6898 (c)

Santa Fe College
3000 NW 83rd Street, F-204
Gainesville, FL 32606