March 3, 2026

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation has received a gift from Susan and Zuheir Sofia to create a $1 million endowed fund supporting physical rehabilitation services at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.

The newly created endowment will provide permanent funding through the fund’s annual distribution to advance rehabilitation programs that help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence following injury, illness, or surgery. Endowed funds generate long-term support, ensuring that resources remain available for patient care in perpetuity.

“We believe strong healthcare systems are essential to thriving communities,” said the Sofias in a joint statement. “Supporting rehabilitation services ensures that patients not only receive excellent medical care, but also the therapy and support they need to return to their daily lives with confidence.”

The Sofias’ decision to support physical rehabilitation is deeply personal. Their family has experienced care at Sarasota Memorial and benefited from the expertise and compassion of the rehabilitation team, both in inpatient and outpatient settings. Their gift reflects gratitude for that care and a desire to ensure the same level of excellence remains available to others.

Creating an endowed fund aligned with the couple’s longstanding philosophy of thoughtful stewardship and long-term impact. SMH’s Rehabilitation Pavilion was named one of America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers by Newsweek in 2025, a recognition that places it among the top in the nation for inpatient rehabilitative care. Rather than funding a one-time initiative, the Sofias chose to establish a permanent resource that will strengthen rehabilitation services year after year, providing a reliable source of support for program innovation, specialized equipment, and patient-centered therapies.

“Rehabilitation plays a vital role in restoring quality of life,” said Stacey Corley, president of Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. “Susan and Zuheir’s generous investment will have a lasting impact on patients and families who rely on Sarasota Memorial for comprehensive recovery services.”

The Sofias are longtime philanthropists whose giving has supported healthcare, education, and the arts in both Ohio and Sarasota. They have been active supporters of numerous community institutions, including Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation.

“The Healthcare Foundation’s board and staff understand our long-term goals and objectives in creating this fund,” said Susan. “An endowed fund reflects our values — conscientious stewardship, long-term vision, and belief in sustainable change. It’s not just about today’s needs, but tomorrow’s opportunities,” added Zuheir.

Susan Sofia currently serves on the Board of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and is a member of Selby Gardens Advisory Committee. She previously served on the boards of the Sarasota Orchestra and the YPO Sarasota Gold Chapter. She is the past Chair of The Ohio Arts Council Board, Marburn Academy—a day school serving children with learning differences in grades 1 through 12, TWIG III of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Little Garden Club of Columbus. She served as Chairman of the Cookbook Committee for the Junior League of Columbus, which published America Discovers Columbus in 1984. She also served on the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Committee at The Ohio State University, the Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden Foundation Board, and BalletMet.

Zuheir Sofia is the Managing Member and President of SE&W Florida Consulting, LLC, and Senior Advisor of Elizabeth Park Capital Management. He is the former Chairman, President, and CEO of Business Bank of Florida, Corp., which was acquired by Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida in January of 2022. Prior to forming his own company, Sofia & Company in 1998, he was President, Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer, and Director of Huntington Bancshares, which is now a $280 billion bank holding company. He served on the board of several public companies, including The Marzetti Company. He is the former Chairman of The Ohio State University Board of Trustees and the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and served on the Medical Center, Foundation, and College of Arts & Sciences boards. He is a former member of the Foundation and Advisory Boards at Western Kentucky University (“WKU”). He is the former Chairman of the Board of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and an honorary trustee for life, a founding member and former Chairman of the Columbus Council on World Affairs (“CCWA”), Columbus School for Girls, and the Columbus YPO Chapter. In recognition of his business leadership, public service, and advocacy of international students, Mr. Sofia was awarded the first honorary degree of Doctor of Business Leadership from the Gordon Ford College of Business at WKU and was inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

Mrs. Sofia earned a B.A. from Salem College in Winston-Salem, N.C. Mr. Sofia earned a M.A. in Economics from Washington University and a B.S. degree in Economics and Business Administration from WKU. He is a graduate of The Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University, where his thesis received the distinction of being selected as a “Library Thesis” and placed in the libraries of the American Banker Association, Harvard Graduate School of Business, and Rutgers University. He authored a book, “External Debt of Developing Countries: Its Applications to Country Risk Analysis,” which was featured in many publications.

The Susan and Zuheir Sofia Physical Rehab Endowed Fund reflects the couple’s longstanding commitment to building strong institutions and creating lasting community impact.

“We hope our gift inspires others to think about how they can also have a long-lasting impact—both while they are living and long after they are gone. “

For more information about Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation or to learn more about establishing an endowed fund, visit smhf.org or call 941-917-1286.

Photo courtesy of the Sofias.