The Van Wezel Foundation has announced the addition of an executive director of education and lifelong learning to its team as the result of a major grant awarded by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. Kelli Maldonado assumed the role on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, and will lead the effort to prioritize lifelong learning at the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

Most recently, Maldonado served as the director of education and community engagement at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Prior, she held arts and education positions at Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota and Manhattan Theatre Club and New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City. Maldonado holds a master’s degree in applied theatre from City University of New York and a bachelor’s degree in theater from Pace University.