The Circus Arts Conservatory has named Jennifer Mitchell its president and CEO. Mitchell takes over for Circus Arts Conservatory founders Dolly Jacobs and Pedro Reis, who will continue to provide guidance and support to the CAC as they transition away from their current roles.

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast has rebranded as Big Waters Land Trust. The name change came after the organization recognized that it needed a name reflective of its whole service area, which includes both the coastal and inland communities. The new name was announced at the organization’s annual Conservation Celebration on Friday, Dec. 6.

Phase One of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' master plan for its downtown campus has been named to The Wall Street Journal's list of the Best Architecture Projects of 2024.

Art Center Sarasota has named Katherine Ceaser its new executive director and Mary Davis Wallace its board chair.

The American School Counselor Association has named Sarasota Middle School counselor Carmen Larson as its 2025 School Counselor of the Year.

Goodwill Manasota recently recognized advocates and supporters in the areas of veterans services, leadership, and partnership during its 2024 Community Ambassador of the Year Awards. The honorees were  Janine “Mama” Lutz (Veteran Advocate of the Year); Cliff Walters (Community Leader of the Year); 
All Faiths Food Bank and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee (Community Partners of the Year); and Sherry Hendrickson (Robert W. Rosinsky Achievement Award). 

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System recently welcomed newly elected members Kevin Cooper and Pam Beitlich to its board of directors as treasurer and assistant treasurer, respectively. It also named its new slate of officers for the coming year: Sarah Lodge, chair; Sharon Wetzler DePeters, first vice chair; Bridgette Fiorucci, second vice chair; Patricia Maraia, secretary; and Victor Rohe, assistant secretary. Other board members are Greg Carter and Brad Baker.

The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners recently swore in two newly elected representatives: Teresa Mast, District 1, and Tom Knight, District 3.

The Sarasota County School Board held a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected member Liz Barker and re-elected member Tom Edwards. The board also held its annual reorganization meeting to elect its leadership: Tim Enos was elected chair and Robyn Marinelli was elected vice chair. 

David Rohrbacher has been appointed provost and vice president of academic affairs for New College of Florida.

Michael Saunders & Company is joining Forbes Global Properties, an international network of real estate brokerages, where it will connect buyers and sellers to $2 million-plus properties in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

Ian Black Real Estate has hired Kevin McQuaid as a sales associate. Additionally, the firm's Brie Tulp recently achieved SIOR designation from the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors. 

The Patterson Foundation has hired Jennifer Abbott as a consultant for its Nonprofit Thrivability initiative. 

Daniel Eveloff has been named market executive for Regions Bank, overseeing Sarasota, Bradenton and surrounding communities.

Marketing and communications agency Next-Mark was recently honored by the American Advertising Federation with gold and silver Angel Awards for exemplary public service work with local non-profit agencies.

1000 North Sarasota, a members-only restaurant and private club set to open in late 2025, has announced the appointment of Tim Fanning as general manager.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties recently welcomed three new members to its 2024-2025 board of directors: Michelle Mitchell, Katie Hollingsworth, and student Jack L., who will join the board as the Students Taking Active Roles (STAR) Leadership Training Program representative.