Awards

Dr. Washington Hill has received the 2022 Distinguished Service Award from the National Medical Association for exceptional work in medical service. Hill, an OB-GYN with CenterPlace Health, accepted the award on July 31 at the NMA’s Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, the nation’s foremost forum on medical science and African-American health.

New Hires, Promotions and Appointments

Dr. Abbey Tyrna has been named executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper. Tyrna has a doctorate in geography from the Pennsylvania State University, where her research focused on measuring the effects of development on wetlands. She also previously worked with Sarasota County government and the University of Florida to help bring scientific knowledge and expertise to the public as the Water Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability.

Jamie Carson has been named Sarasota County's director of communications, a role that continues her 23 years in the communications field, including the past nine years with the county.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has hired Beth Graves as its marketing and communications director. In her new role, Graves will be responsible for  marketing planning, budgeting, and contracting with outside vendors; brand management; community relations; and the oversight of public relations.

The Out-of-Door Academy has named Debra Otey as the new Head of School leading the independent, Pre-K-12 school on its two campuses in Sarasota. Otey holds a bachelor of science in secondary education (English), a master of science in Secondary Education (English), and is currently completing an Ed.D. in educational leadership.

Sarasota Art Museum has hired Christina Fraser as its senior director of business operations, a newly created leadership position responsible for managing the museum’s operating budget and revenue generating programs; leading a variety of special projects, including institutional publications; overseeing major digital infrastructure initiatives; and implementing long-term financial planning.

The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) has named its 2022-2023 board of directors. Shari Ashman (chair), Barton Lowther (immediate past chair), Michael Salmon (vice-chair), Jack Brown (treasurer), Deborah Walk (organizational secretary), Julie A. Harris, Donald Malawsky, Barb Tye, Pedro Reis (founder/CEO), and Dolly Jacobs-Reis (ex-officio member).

The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) has appointed Edward Griese to its board of directors.

Local Jewish community leader and author Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman has been named assistant executive director of the Women's Rabbinic Network (WRN). In this newly created role, Glickman—who began her post in August—will focus on member support and engagement, with her portfolio evolving to reflect WRN's needs. 

The Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council has announced its board of directors for the 2022-2023 season. This season’s officers include president Susan Hines of Sabal Trust; first vice-president Elizabeth Diaz of Williams Parker; second vice-president Elizabeth Rabbitt Stephen of Truist; treasurer Heather Williams of Kerkering, Barberio & Co.; and secretary Daniel Vigne of Northern Trust.