Robert A. Krause Named New CEO of Johnson Scholarship Foundation

The Johnson Scholarship Foundation has named entrepreneur Robert A. Krause the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1. He was selected after a national search for the successor to R. Malcolm Macleod, who is retiring from the position. Macleod, who has served as President and CEO since 2001, has accepted the Board’s invitation to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors.

“Bobby’s background as an entrepreneur paired with his deep commitment to philanthropy makes him the ideal individual to lead the Foundation into the future,” Macleod said. “On behalf of the entire board, we look forward to working with Bobby and supporting him in his new role.”

Krause has served as a member of the JSF Board of Directors since 2013 and currently is the Foundation’s Treasurer.

An entrepreneur and business consultant to the Central Florida agricultural industry, Krause is a native of West Palm Beach, Florida, and longtime resident of Wauchula, Florida. For three decades, he has provided business consultation and direction to the citrus industry, including budgeting, marketing, financial tracking and contract negotiations as President and CEO of Krause Services, Inc. He has a background in accounting and holds a CPA license.

Krause said he is a strong believer in JSF’s approach to philanthropy with a focus on entrepreneurship.

“Philanthropy has always been a part of my adult life,” Krause said. “Johnson Scholarship Foundation gives me an opportunity to play a role in philanthropy that has an entrepreneurial disposition.”

Krause served for a decade on the Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association in Arcadia, holding the positions of president, vice president and treasurer. He was named Businessman of the Year in 2007 by the Hardee County Chamber of Commerce. He also was a member of the Hardee County Economic Development Council. From 2008-2010, he was Finance Committee Chairman of First Baptist Church of Wauchula.

He graduated from Stetson University in Deland with a bachelor’s degree in political science and studied accounting at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. He is married to Susan Krause, and they have three adult children.