Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Names John Shumaker Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Following a national search, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of John Shumaker, CPA as its new Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. The search was conducted by WittKieffer, a respected national firm with deep experience supporting nonprofit organizations in recruiting top executive talent. Shumaker has nearly two decades of experience supporting major cultural institutions, large-scale capital initiatives, and public–private partnerships across the nonprofit and corporate sectors.
Shumaker recently served as chief operating officer and director of finance at Miami City Ballet, where he partnered closely with executive leadership to align financial strategy with long-term artistic and organizational vision. During his tenure, the organization successfully exceeded its $55 million Transforming Lives campaign by $10 million, helped secure a $160 million public bond for arts and culture, raised $26 million in new funding, and obtained $10.3M in federal pandemic relief. Shumaker also served as principal of BTQ Consulting, providing CFO and strategic advisory services to organizations across the performing arts and private sectors. His work included guiding financial strategy for the Center for Arts & Innovation in Boca Raton and serving as acting CFO for fintech startup Avalo Holdings.
“John is a proven leader with extraordinary experience guiding major cultural institutions through periods of growth, investment, and transformation,” said Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, Chief Executive Officer of Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. “He brings the financial discipline, operational rigor, and strategic perspective essential to stewarding our mission responsibly. As we continue building toward the future of the arts in Sarasota, his leadership will be a tremendous asset to our organization and our partners.
Shumaker is working closely with the Foundation’s leadership team to support a seamless transition as the organization moves into its next phase of growth and development.
“I am honored to join the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation at such a pivotal moment. The vision for the new performing arts center represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen Sarasota’s cultural, economic, and community fabric,” said Shumaker. “I look forward to partnering with the CEO, the Board, the City, and the Foundation’s exceptional team to help translate this bold vision into a sustainable and enduring reality.”
About Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s mission is to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. Since 1987, the Foundation has partnered with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to bring arts education to more than 40,000 students and families annually across five counties. Today, the Foundation continues this commitment while leading the vision for a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center in partnership with the City of Sarasota, the Bay Park Conservancy, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. PerformingArtsFoundation.org