ABOUT US
The mission of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts.
By supporting arts education programming at the Van Wezel and advancing the development of a new Performing Arts Center, we lead the creation of a long-term master plan for the performing arts that establishes a cultural and economic legacy for our region.
OUR STORY
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s philanthropic purpose has deep roots in the rich cultural history of Sarasota. In 1987, we entered a cultural partnership with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall through its owner, the City of Sarasota.
The Hall has served as a beloved performing arts center for over half a century – a home to international creative experiences and a springboard for the Foundation’s educational collaborations.
With education at our core, the Foundation is advancing our community into a new era, creating and developing the vision for a contemporary performing arts community of national significance for Sarasota. The campus will be a magnet destination for generations, with the potential to impact and enrich communities across the state and country.
OUR VALUES
PASSION. We are inventive catalysts for artistic exploration.
INCLUSIVITY. We seek out diverse perspectives and foster cultural equity across our programs.
COLLABORATION. We build forward-thinking partnerships to extend the impact of our mission.
STEWARDSHIP. We operate with integrity and transparency to expand our rich history of culture-building and philanthropy.
OUR VISION
To be a preeminent destination for the performing arts in the nation by offering extraordinary cultural and educational experiences that open a world of new possibilities for all.
FINANCIALS
Strategic Plan: A Vision for Sarasota Performing Arts Center
Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2026
LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024–2025
BOARD LEADERSHIP
James Travers*
Chairman of the Board
Dr. Jenne K. Britell*
Board Vice-Chair
Vern Chalfant*
Board Treasurer & Chair of Finance Committee
Julie Harris*
Board Secretary
Chair of the Governance Committee
Michael Wilson*
Legal Counsel
Chair of the Audit Committee
BOARD MEMBERS
Gerald L. Biller
Chad Campbell
Mark P. Famiglio
David Koffman
Ling Markovitz
James Matras
Dr. John Maupin*
Chair of Strategic Plan Committee
Karl Newkirk
Drayton Saunders*
Chair of the Campaign Cabinet
Nanci Weaver*
Chair of Arts Education & Community Engagement Committee
EX OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER
Mary Bensel
Executive Director, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
*Executive Committee
EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS
Herta Cuneo †
John M. Dart
Beatrice Friedman †
John Jakes
Carolyn Michel
Michael R. Pender, Jr.
Harvey Rothenberg †
† deceased
NATIONAL COUNCIL
The National Council is an advisory body of individuals who are committed to promoting and supporting the mission and vision of Sarasota Performing Arts Center.
Adrian Anantawan
David Band
Merrill Bonder
Adnan Dedic
Tom Kirdahy
Ruthann Koffman
James Mack
Ed Maier
James Matras
Pamela Mones
Clare Murphy
Ann Rosenbach
Paul Seed
Phil Steyaert
STAFF
Tania Castroverde Moskalenko
Chief Executive Officer
tmoskalenko@performingartsfoundation.org
Carrie Angel
Project Manager
cangel@performingartsfoundation.org
Laura Ansel
Director of Communications
lansel@performingartsfoundation.org
Michelle Ballentine
Executive Assistant to the CEO
mballentine@performingartsfoundation.org
Kassidy Gardner
Marketing Manager
kgardner@performingartsfoundation.org
Scott Holcomb
Operations Manager
sholcomb@performingartsfoundation.org
Allison Hunter
Community Programs Manager
ahunter@performingartsfoundation.org
Kelli Maldonado
Executive Director of Mission & Impact
kmaldonado@performingartsfoundation.org
Shannon Roddy
Vice President, Finance & Operations
sroddy@performingartsfoundation.org
Sandra Rodriguez
Data Development Manager
srodriguez@performingartsfoundation.org
Derkia Thomas
Marketing Content Specialist
dthomas@performingartsfoundation.org
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
PRESS & MEDIA
press@performingartsfoundation.org