Vision and Mission
Our Mission
Our mission is to positively impact the lives of all people in our community. The Foundation is a major component of how Kitson & Partners and Babcock Ranch can give back to the community and prepare the next generation for success. Our hope is that you will join us on this journey to create a stronger community through philanthropic works, one that is filled with opportunity and promise for all Southwest Florida residents
Our Vision
Our vision is to create real change by passing on a stable legacy, enriching the lives of those in our community. One of the Foundation’s goals is to ensure hard-working and underserved students have the chance to pursue their dreams of higher education, either through funding scholarships or providing financial support to local non-profit organizations. We believe preparing students for fulfilling stable careers and the empowerment for success will provide the opportunity to establish future leaders in our community.
History
Our History
Syd Kitson, Chairman & CEO of Kitson & Partners, formed the Babcock Ranch Foundation with the same vision and dedication evident in his creation of the new town of Babcock Ranch:
“How can we use this magical place as a catalyst to make people’s lives, especially children’s lives, better? How can we effectuate real change for future generations in need? We have established a culture in Babcock Ranch that is rooted in giving back, especially to the region’s children, by passing on a stable legacy. It’s part of how our company and our community can ‘step up’ for the next generation.”
Leadership Team
Al Dougherty, President
An active real estate professional with over 36 years of community master plan development experience, Al Dougherty has held a variety of senior management roles with Florida’s leading master plan community developers and related businesses throughout Florida. Currently he is the Chief Operating Officer for Kitson & Partners, overseeing the development of Babcock Ranch. Dougherty also served as Florida’s Deputy Secretary of Land and Recreation for the Department of Environmental Protection. With a staff of over 2,000 employees, he oversaw Florida’s 171 state parks and the acquisition of all new state lands.
In addition to serving as president of the Babcock Ranch Foundation, he previously served on several environmental stewardship committees, including as chairman of the State of Florida’s Acquisition and Restoration Council. Dougherty’s past volunteer activities include membership in many local civic organizations, and he is active with his local church outreach.
Tyler Kitson, Vice President
Tyler Kitson is a firm believer in the importance of giving back to the community and proudly serves as Vice President of the Babcock Ranch Foundation. Kitson has also been active as a member of the Babcock Neighborhood School Nominating Committee, United Way Allocations committee and has been involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Most recently, Kitson has contributed his time and resources to the American Heart Association, serving as Chair of the 2023 Heart Ball.
A rising leader in the real estate industry, Kitson has managed vertical construction for Kitson & Partners. While maintaining his position as President of Talis Park, Kitson also serves as SVP of Communities at Babcock Ranch. Kitson is also a member of the International Economic Development Council, Urban Land Institute, and the International Council of Shopping Centers. An advocate for smart growth and development, Kitson was also named a top 40 Under 40 by Business Observer in 2019.
Patrice G. Bishop, Secretary
With more than 30 years of experience in developing systems to manage human capital, Patrice G. Bishop has deep roots in Florida. Her specialties include handling complex projects, primarily in human resources and risk management at companies such as Kitson & Partners, the Ecclestone Organization, and the MacArthur Foundation.
Bishop is a member of many professional organizations that work to promote best practices in human resources. In addition to serving as Secretary of the Babcock Ranch Foundation, she is currently Vice Chair of the District Board of Trustees for Palm Beach State College and serves on the Palm Beach State College Foundation Board. She volunteers her time to causes such as LLS of the Palm Beaches and Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
