Mark Dhooge
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
A Message from our CEO
Imagination is powerful. It allows us to dream of a future, to plan for success, and to create a vision of what life could be for families in South Florida. For 41 years, the imagination of supporters like you has helped KID realize the dream of providing better community services and improving lives.
Families of KID have the freedom to imagine a future that is safe, secure, and loving. It takes the investment of time, resources, and talent to transform imagination into improvement through many opportunities to give back; spending time as a volunteer, providing financial support, and offering a caring environment for children to grow by becoming a foster parent.
It is that magical combination of imagination and investment which leads to breakout services and outstanding improvement. In fact, KID operates the largest network of foster care and kinship families in Broward and Palm Beach counties, and its collective programs are consistently recognized as best practice models for human services.
A community that takes care of one another in times of need knows that investment in imagination creates hope, and hope leads to great things. With your help, KID can imagine a brighter future by investing in a better today to improve the lives of many.
On behalf of KID, thank you for imagining with us. Together we will make a difference in the lives of children and families in need! Together, we will make what seems impossible, KIDpossible.
Dr. Tony Tucker
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Dr. Tucker brings more than 18 years of experience in nonprofit management to KID. He has worked in Mental Health, Faith-Based and Cancer Support organizations during his career. He brings a distinctive managerial and leadership style to Finance that has a positive impact on the team. Dr. Tucker received his Doctorate degree in Business Administration from Argosy University in Atlanta GA (2013). Outside of the office, he has been an adjunct instructor teaching courses in Economics, Accounting and Business Administration. Dr. Tucker is a member of the Affinity CFO Group of Broward County and participated in the American Express Leadership Academy. He has a positive outlook on life and enjoys his career in nonprofit.
Wendy Salomon
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Wendy has over 25 years of experience in the mental health and non-profit sectors and has been with Family Central for over 20 years. In her current role, Wendy oversees the agency’s Miami operations including programs, contracts, staff and facility. Wendy’s primary focus has been on programmatic additions and/or enhancements in the areas of early childhood and infant mental health. Wendy is licensed in the state of Florida as a Marriage and Family Therapist and is a designated Qualified Supervisor. She is a current member of the HIPPY local advisory committee, serves on the local Infant Mental Health committee and is a past board member of the Florida Association of Infant Mental Health. She is a past participant of the American Express Leadership Academy in NYC.
Annette Gardiner, MSHRM
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Annette Gardiner, MSHRM brings more than 15 years of human resources management, and 20+ years of service in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining our organization, Annette worked with the Broward Healthy Start Coalition as Contract Manager/HR Coordinator for 11 years. A true community activist, she continues to give back by serving on several boards and committees in the community. She volunteers at Seagull Alternative School, and serves as a Mentor with the Broward County School Board. In 2012, Annette was inducted into the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame for her work in the community.
Suhaill Ruano
VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT
Suhaill is a bilingual executive leader with 23 years of nonprofit experience embarked on her journey in child welfare, pioneering transformative programs at Children’s Home Society and Kids In Distress. Notably, she curated Kids In Distress’ inaugural adoption program two decades ago. At the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, she led program development, spearheaded DE&I initiatives, enriching lives globally for over a decade. Her expertise encompasses fundraising, people management, marketing and PR. As a representative of the first gen Latina community, she founded FSU’s first Latina/Multicultural Sorority. Suhaill is a devoted mother with diverse passions, ranging from music to dance.
Michael White
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR
Michael White is a seasoned professional who has over 30 years’ experience in both special events producing and corporate management. Michael’s non-profit expertise has been from managing a hospital foundation to producing many nonprofit galas. His range of job-related experiences offers many hats for both our administration and board at KID/FCI. Michael offers his creative abilities to take on projects small and large. With a strong work ethic, Michael’s administrative capabilities enhances the day to day operations facilitating projects completed. Michael is an artist and designer. His range of projects have been painting: canvases, furniture, floors, tuxedos and jackets.