friends of exuma

Founded in 2020, Friends of Exuma began as a desire to give back to a community near and dear to our hearts. Exuma is on track for growth, and there is a need to support the people and the environment throughout this growth period.  We also saw a need to fill a void for an organization that would respond in times of need, as well as a credible 501c3 to unlock a potential for U.S. donors that wish to support Exuma. 

We strive to be a positive catalyst and bring optimism to all projects and potential initiatives. Our aim is to help and coach positive outcomes in our work with the local community. Funding goes towards reputable organizations that have a proven track record of effective performance. We care deeply about the success of outcomes and participation levels of the programs and projects we support. 

We are actively seeking additional board members who wish to be part of this organization. If you are interested, please reach out to us at info@exumafriends.org. To stay connected with news and updates from the Exumas, join our email newsletter

bob coughlin

Bob Coughlin is a co-founder of Friends of Exuma. He and his wife, Jeanne, built a house on Tar Bay in 2019. Bob retired as the founder and Chairman of Paycor (PYCR Nasdaq) after a 29-year career of building the business. He also founded the Cincinnati Marathon (The Flying Pig Marathon). Bob is a board member for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. He is a former marathon runner and avid biker. Bob has a business degree from Miami University and is an advocate for youth development, the environment, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.

bill sanford

Bill Sanford is a co-founder of Friends of Exuma. He is a retired investment management/financial services executive. In 2015, Bill founded the Exuma Learning with Technology Project which has placed over 300 laptop computers in the primary schools of Exuma. The project’s goal is to train teachers and students to use modern technology to advance primary education. Currently, Bill is focused on mentoring local Exuma charities to finance and manage their contributions to the Exuma community. Bill enjoys biking, boating, and fishing. He and his wife Carol live in Charleston, South Carolina.

Catherine booker

Catherine Booker serves as a volunteer advisor for Friends of Exuma. She has worked within the conservation and environmental education fields for almost two decades facilitating research, community outreach, and managing projects at every scale to advance efforts by Bahamian organizations and the Government of The Bahamas. Catherine is an advocate for using entrepreneurship to create a more sustainable planet and enjoys bringing creativity, practicality, fun, and resourcefulness to her work with people and their environment. She currently serves on the board of the Elizabeth Harbour Conservation Partnership and is working with The Bahamas National Trust to accelerate the establishment of Moriah Harbour Cay National Park. Catherine calls Exuma her home, but loves visiting family and friends in Georgia and Colorado.    

amy butler

With many years philanthropic experience in leadership and organizational capacities, she hopes to give something back to the Exuma community and full-time residents, serving through Friends of Exuma and the foundational pillars of support they offer.  Currently residing in Wichita, Kansas, Amy serves on the Advisory Board for the Wichita Area YMCA. Additionally, Amy gives her time to other charitable organizations, focusing on community, youth, and contributes time and talents within her local church body, as well as to a philanthropy providing educational opportunities for women.Before becoming a full-time mom, Amy worked in administrative and marketing capacities for a variety of privately held companies. She holds a BA in History of Art from the University of Kansas.  When not volunteering or busy with her family, Amy is passionate about health & wellness, enjoys almost any activity outdoors including biking, kayaking, and paddle boarding, and loves to read and travel. Amy has been married to Lee for 25+ years and have two college-aged children.