The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recently named Ringling College of Art and Design a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. Students. This recognition is given to the U.S. colleges and universities that received the highest number of applicants selected for the 2022-23 Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Children First, Inc., the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, announced that parent and Policy Council liaison Maria Somera and CEO Philip Tavill have been honored by the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) for their impact in elevating excellence in Florida’s Head Start Community.

Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy has announced the appointment of Bruce C. Patneaude as its new chief operating officer. 

Sean Altice, co-owner and chief operating officer of Sarasota-based Altez Vacations, was recently named Businessperson of the Year by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties recently presented its 2023 Youth of the Year award to local high school student Nathan W. 

Avita Care Solutions has announce the appointment of Dr. Christopher Hall, former CMO of Sarasota-based Q Care Plus, as its inaugural chief medical officer. Avita Care Solutions provides comprehensive, compassionate, and inclusive health care and pharmacy services to underserved communities.

The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau has named Lois Croft as its public relations manager.

Ian Black Real Estate has hired Kate Mansfield as assistant property manager. Mansfield has more than 25 years of experience in multifamily property management and will assist the management team with the day-to-day operations of properties under the firm’s growing management portfolio.  

Glasser-Schoenbaum Human Services recently announced that three up-and-coming community leaders have been named to receive the first-ever Emerging Leader Awards. They are Kelly Duyn, assistant director of ducation and community engagement at Venice Theatre, in the category of arts and culture; Dana LeBlanc, assistant director at Faces of Accomplishment, in the category of human services; and Tiona Settles, community health worker at CenterPlace Health, in the category of physical and behavioral health.

Doug Staley, executive director of the Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC), was the recent recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award by the Rotary Club of Gulf Gate.

Golf Digest magazine recently recognized The Concession Golf Club director of instruction Joe Ostrowski as a “Best Young Teacher in America” for 2023-24. The biennial list identifies the game’s rising golf instructors under the age of 40 from around the country, with nominations from tour players and fellow nationally-ranked instructors.