The Climate Champions Awards exists to tell an important story. One that often unfolds quietly, long before the next storm makes headlines.
It is the story of leaders who understand that climate adaptation is not theoretical. It is practical. It is local. And it requires persistence, partnership, and the ability to turn long-term vision into real-world action.
As the Climate Adaptation Center continues announcing the honorees for the 2026 Climate Champions Awards, we are proud to introduce a nominee whose work has fundamentally shaped how Sarasota County plans for, funds, and implements resilience.
Announcing our next 2026 Climate Champion Nominee: Sara Kane
The Climate Adaptation Center is honored to announce Sara Kane, Sustainability and Resilience Manager for Sarasota County, as a 2026 Climate Champion Nominee.
For more than 21 years, Sara has worked at the intersection of science, policy, and community helping transform climate risk from an abstract concept into actionable plans, funded projects, and measurable outcomes.
If climate adaptation has a driving force, it is the ability to move from ideas to implementation. That is where Sara Kane has made her mark.
Her career reflects a rare combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership. Through her work, Sarasota County has moved beyond planning to build a framework for resilience that is data-driven, community-centered, and financially sustainable.
Turning risk into strategy, and strategy into action
Climate adaptation is not just about understanding risk. It is about creating systems that enable communities to respond before disaster strikes.
Sara has played a pivotal role in advancing that mission across Sarasota County and the broader region.
Her leadership has guided complex planning processes, strengthened cross-departmental collaboration, and positioned Sarasota County to secure the funding necessary to implement long-term resilience initiatives. Her work has influenced regional strategies addressing sea-level rise, flooding, extreme weather, energy efficiency, and sustainable development.
“Sara is a remarkable leader and organizer who has worked with many organizations to find what works best for our communities regarding climate adaptation and climate resilience,” said Bob Bunting, CEO of the Climate Adaptation Center. “We know there are many adaptations we must make to be truly resilient, and Sara is trusted across disciplines and institutions. That trust makes her a perfect Climate Champion.”
Building the foundation of resilience in Sarasota County
Sara’s impact is defined not only by vision, but by tangible results.
Her work includes:
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Completion of Sarasota County’s internal Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment, a foundational analysis of future climate scenarios for 2030, 2050, and 2100.
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Leadership of Sarasota County’s Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan, culminating in the County’s first comprehensive Adaptation Plan. Through years of cross-departmental collaboration, Sara helped identify and prioritize 190 adaptation projects, with an emphasis on nature-based solutions to reduce vulnerability to sea-level rise and flooding.
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Development of the region’s first Climate Action Plan in partnership with agencies across the Manatee–Sarasota area and through extensive public engagement. The plan identifies 56 strategies across eight sectors to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and strengthen carbon sequestration.
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Establishment of a culture of grant readiness and strategic project development within local government, creating long-term capacity to secure resilience funding.
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Securing millions of dollars in federal, state, and local funding to implement sustainability and resilience initiatives, with significant investment directed toward underserved communities most affected by climate impacts.
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Advancement of projects in energy efficiency, green building, renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable government operations.
Together, these efforts represent a structural shift in how Sarasota County approaches climate adaptation—from reactive responses to proactive, data-driven planning supported by sustained funding and community engagement.
Leadership rooted in collaboration and community
Throughout her career, Sara has demonstrated that resilience is not built by any single institution. It emerges from collaboration across government agencies, scientific institutions, nonprofit organizations, and local communities.
Before joining Sarasota County, Sara held positions at the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Mote Marine Laboratory, building a foundation in environmental science and regional ecosystem management. She holds a Master’s degree in Global Sustainability, with a concentration in water, from the University of South Florida.
Her work consistently reflects a commitment to meeting communities where they are ensuring that climate education, planning, and investment reach those most vulnerable to climate impacts.
In an era of accelerating climate risk, Sara’s leadership has helped Sarasota County move beyond awareness toward action, and beyond planning toward implementation.
She has become not only a strategist and planner, but a force driving the systems, partnerships, and funding that make resilience possible.
Continuing the 2026 Climate Champions journey
Earlier this year, the Climate Adaptation Center announced F. John LaCivita, President and CEO of Willis A. Smith Construction, and Charlie Hunsicker, Director of Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department, as Climate Champion Nominees for 2026—recognizing leadership in resilient construction and environmental stewardship.
The final Climate Champion Nominee will be announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
This year’s celebration will once again bring together business leaders, scientists, policymakers, and community advocates for an Academy Awards-style luncheon, culminating in the presentation of the Beacon Crystal Lighthouse Statue—a symbol of leadership, vision, and action in climate adaptation.
A growing legacy of leadership
Over the past three years, the Climate Champions Awards has recognized outstanding leaders across our community.
2025 Climate Champions
Dr. Karen Holbrook, David Kotok, A.G. Lafley, Tracie Troxler
2024 Climate Champions
Marshall Gobuty, Jessica Meszaros, Steve Newborn, Jennifer Rominiecki, David Tomasko
2023 Climate Champions
Ed Chiles, Charles C. Reith, Dr. David Shafer, Dr. Jennifer Shafer, Jon Thaxton, Bill Waddill
These honorees continue to serve as beacons for climate adaptation in Sarasota and beyond. As the Climate Adaptation Center expands its Living Laboratory initiative, this growing network of leaders plays a critical role in advancing practical, community-driven solutions.
Join us for the 2026 Climate Champions Awards
We look forward to honoring Sara Kane, F. John LaCivita and Charlie Hunsicker and celebrating the leadership shaping our region’s future.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Michael’s On East Ballroom, Sarasota
Tickets and tables are now available. Buy tickets here.
For questions about table purchases, please contact Melanie Ringle at (melanie.ringle@theclimateadaptationcenter.org, or purchase your table directly using this link.
We hope you will join us for this inspiring celebration of leadership, resilience, and hope for Florida’s future.