Sunshine Sisters: Dr. Kanika Tomalin

In this episode of Sunshine Sisters, host Karen Carmichael sits down with Dr. Kanika Tomalin, President and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, to discuss leadership, community, and what it truly means to build a healthy city.

A lifelong St. Petersburg native, Dr. Tomalin reflects on growing up in a large, deeply connected family that spanned every corner of Pinellas County. Those early experiences shaped her belief that community, equity, and access—not income or neighborhood—are the true measures of quality of life. She shares how seeing the full spectrum of lived experiences in St. Pete informs her leadership today.

Dr. Tomalin traces her career across journalism, healthcare, higher education, city government, and philanthropy, explaining how each role strengthened her commitment to public service. She describes St. Pete as a city full of possibility—one that is becoming distinctly itself rather than trying to mirror other cities—and speaks passionately about building a future the next generations will be proud to inherit.

The conversation also explores what “community health” really means. For Dr. Tomalin, it goes far beyond hospitals and doctors to include safe neighborhoods, walkable streets, access to nutritious food, reliable transportation, quality education, and a strong sense of belonging. These social determinants, she says, are essential for both individual and collective thriving.

Dr. Tomalin highlights the powerful role women are playing across St. Pete—in education, economic development, nonprofit leadership, and beyond. Dr. Tomalin celebrates both trailblazing women leaders and the culture of mentorship that ensures they won’t be the last.

To women listening who feel called to make an impact, Dr. Tomalin offers simple but powerful advice: start where you are, show up consistently, and follow your passion. In St. Pete, she notes, engagement is welcomed, leadership pathways are open, and there is no “wrong” place to begin.

About Dr. Kanika Tomalin
As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, Dr. Kanika Tomalin leads, directs, and integrates all aspects of the Foundation’s internal and external activities. She is a steward of the Foundation’s resources, ensuring decisions are mission-aligned and based in equity.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Dr. Tomalin served as Deputy Mayor and City Administrator of the City of St. Petersburg, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Strategy at Eckerd College, Regional Vice President of External Affairs at Bayfront Health Network, and Director of Strategy for Health Management Associations. 
Dr. Tomalin currently serves on the boards of The Dali Museum, Academy Prep St. Petersburg, Bayfront Health Foundation, Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation, and the Eckerd College National Advisory Council. She has received numerous honors and appointments, including being named: the ACLU’s Gardner Beckett Civil Liberties honoree; St. Petersburg Chamber’s Businesswoman of the Year, inaugural “Iconic Woman to Watch” and Young Business Leader of the Year; YWCA of Tampa Bay’s Woman of Distinction; one of Tampa Bay Business & Wealth magazine’s Women Who Win; and one of Florida’s Most Powerful and Influential Women.

Dr. Tomalin was married for 17 years to well-known adventure journalist Terry Tomalin, until his passing in 2016. She is the fifth generation of her family to call St. Petersburg home and enjoys life here with her children Kai and Nia.

For more information about The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg visit the website. https://healthystpete.foundation

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