MEET
SAM VALENTIN(E)

Born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, Sam Valentin (she/her) is deeply connected to the people, places, and natural landscapes that shape her community. Her work is guided by a personal mission: to facilitate memorable experiences, increase understanding, cultivate community, and leave the world a better place. With VALENTIN(E) Boutique Consulting, she helps non-profits, small businesses, individuals, and community organizations do the same.

Sam left her position as Director of Marketing and Events for Big Waters Land Trust (formerly Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast) to found VALENTIN(E) Boutique Consulting in 2025, after just over seven years with the non-profit land trust. During her tenure at Big Waters, Sam led major initiatives that strengthened the organization’s visibility, community presence, and philanthropic success. She developed and oversaw the land trust’s yearlong 20th Anniversary Campaign and played a key leadership role in the organization’s 2024 rebranding. 

Working closely with the Chicago‑based firm Bold Bison and guiding board and executive leadership, Sam facilitated the transition from Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to Big Waters Land Trust. She then designed and executed the name-launch campaign, which included a community-centric social media campaign with in-person stops at over 40 partner organizations, traditional mailings, PR, paid promotions, a new website, and a mission‑forward announcement video. The approximately two-minute video was honored at the 2025 American Advertising Awards (ADDYs) with a Silver ADDY in recognition of its outstanding creative excellence. The video also won an Amy Award as the highest-scoring entry in the Public Service category. The reveal video in conjunction with a secondary series celebrating Big Waters’ mission and impact then went on to receive a Gold Angel Award for its storytelling and community impact. Sam worked collaboratively with Brad Bryan, President of BRAD!BRYAN Multimedia, to conceptualize and create the award-winning series. Sam and Brad have worked together numerous times to craft compelling and engaging visual stories and promotional pieces.

“Sam is exceptional as a communicator, marketing professional, and project manager. She is refreshingly organized and reliable. As an independent video professional, I interface with many businesses and organizations, and I can confidently state that Sam is among the very best at ensuring a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable process for all involved.“

-Brad Bryan, President of BRAD!BRYAN Multimedia

Sam’s extensive event experience spans festivals, galas, donor celebrations, community education programs, art shows, open houses, and immersive on‑the‑land experiences. She conceptualized and executed Big Waters’ transition from the traditional Palm Ball gala to the interactive Party in Paradise, doubled community participation for the annual Wild About Nature Festival, and developed signature programs such as the Summer Photo Contest, Community Art Show, and Lunch & Learn series. Her expertise includes event design, budgeting, volunteer and committee leadership, day‑of management, and the unique needs of nonprofit and land trust organizations.

Before her work in land conservation, Sam managed community engagement, volunteer programs, marketing, and fundraising events at Goodwill Manasota. She also spent nearly a decade in healthcare administration and several years in hospitality – experience that shaped her commitment to exceptional service and thoughtful, people‑centered work.

Sam holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of South Florida and is additionally certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace through the University. She is also a certified Climate Change Communications Trainer through the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI) and 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.

A Leadership Sarasota graduate (Class of 2021) and one of Sarasota Scene Magazine’s 2024 Women on the Scene, Sam is passionate about environmental stewardship, inclusive community building, and helping mission‑driven organizations thrive. Her community leadership includes serving on Sunshine Community Compost’s Board of Directors, including a term as president, before stepping down in 2025 to guide the organization through a leadership transition and strategic plan creation as a consultant. She then served on the task force that negotiated and executed the merger between Sunshine Community Compost and Community Harvest SRQ. Following the successful merger, Sam joined the newly formed Sunshine Community Harvest Board of Directors and currently serves as Board Chair through the end of 2026. She has also served on both the JEDI Committee and Membership Committee of NNOCCI’s Governing Council.

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.