The Florida Center for Government Accountability has named Michael Barfield as executive director.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Urban Meyer, Mark Bauerlein and Debra Jenks to the New College of Florida board of trustees. DeSantis also appointed Chad Mizelle, Michael Carrere, Rogan Donelly and Lauran Monbarren to the University of South Florida board of trustees and Gary Kompothecras to Florida's Board of Chiropractic Medicine.  

Dr. Wilhelmine Wiese-Rometsch, Sarasota Memorial Hospital's chief academic officer, was recently honored by the American College of Physicians' Florida chapter as the 2025 recipient of the “Outstanding Contributions to Advancing the Careers of Women in Medicine" award.

The Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida) recently named Adam Gayle as its 2026 president. 

Manatee Community Foundation has announced the honorees for Spirit of Manatee 2026: Ron Allen (Community Spirit Award); Ashley Brown (Charles Clapsaddle Community Spotlight Award); Mary Glass (Leadership Spirit Award); Barbara Jennings (Mary E. Parker Lifetime Spirit Award);
Zoe Lander, Young Spirit Award

This award honors an individual under 21 whose commitment to volunteerism and charitable giving has inspired others to get involved.

Brian Tresidder was recently named the 2025 Realtor of the Year by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Shelia Roberson has been named Sarasota County's director of communications.

Big Waters Land Trust, formerly known as Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, recently honored Ann Van Cott as its 2025 Conservation Partner of the Year.

Julio Suárez has been named vice president of community impact at The Patterson Foundation.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System was recently ranked among  100 “Great Hospitals in America” for 2025 by Becker’s Hospital Review. 

Kelly McWilliams has been appointed principal of Wilkinson School. 

The Charitable Gift Planners of Southwest Florida has announced its 2026 board of directors: Jacqueline House, president; Stevan Collins, treasurer; Karen Zelden, secretary; and Kimberly Bleach, immediate past president. New board members are Brent Campbell, Yolanda Mancha, Randi Riley and Martha Wells.

Realtor Beth Beckert has joined The Keyes Company. 

The Manatee River Fair Association has awarded Norma Kennedy the Manatee County’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year award. 

Manatee Community Foundation has announced the honorees for Spirit of Manatee 2026: Ron Allen (Community Spirit Award); Ashley Brown (Charles Clapsaddle Community Spotlight Award); Mary Glass (Leadership Spirit Award); Barbara Jennings (Mary E. Parker Lifetime Spirit Award); and 
Zoe Lander (Young Spirit Award).