Bank of America has named Stephenie Whitfield the president of Bank of America Sarasota/Manatee. 

The U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recently presented dual Seven Seals Awards to Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and its Trauma & Acute Care Surgery Services Division, recognizing its exceptional support of staff who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and National Guard. SMH was also recently named to Newsweek’s list of the “World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026,” earning international recognition for its leadership in health technology and innovation.

Michael Saunders & Company has hired S.J. Yun as chief marketing officer.

Visit Sarasota County was recently recognized with a Silver Flagler Award at the 2025 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism for its rebranded annual meeting, the Indicators & Insights Summit, which brought together more than 100 hospitality leaders in fall 2024 shortly after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The Bishop-Parker Foundation has named Amber Lamerson its director of community impact.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has named AMI Beach Weddings to its "CO—100: America's Top 100 Small Businesses" list.

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota has appointed Jamie Tracy as its new full-time dean of academic affairs.

Florida Studio Theatre has promoted Catherine Randazzo to associate producer; associate artist Nancy Rominger will expand her responsibilities to include serving as literary manager.

Melissa Ferlazzo, philanthropy officer at the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), has been awarded the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation by CFRE International. 

Tidewell Foundation, Empath Health president Delesa Hinkle Morris has recertified as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). 

Amanda Schlachter, an associate professor of theatre in the performing arts department at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, has been named the 2025 President’s Faculty Excellence Award winner. 

The Jazz Club of Sarasota has appointed Danielle La Senna as its
first director of development.

Happy Home Watch of Sarasota has earned accreditation for its home watch services from the National Home Watch Association for the sixth year.

The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota has appointed Melissa M. Warthen as its new chief administrative officer.

Dr. Melissa Vilar has joined Lakewood Ranch Medical Center's primary care practice.

Coastal Orthopedics recently added Dr. Richard Puzzitiello to its team.

The City of North Port Communications Division received an Award of Excellence in the Annual Report category at the national 2025 Savvy Awards presentation, hosted by the City-County Communications & Marketing Association at its annual conference in Las Vegas.

Garcia Public Relations has named Evelyn Almodóvar, Patricia Courtois, Josephine Eisenberg and Daniel Kuether to its inaugural advisory board.

Independent investigative local newsroom Suncoast Searchlight has hired Samantha Ramlall as its first development director.