Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Announces New Board Leadership
Sarasota, Florida – June 19, 2025 – The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is pleased to announce its board of directors unanimously approved a new slate of officers during its annual meeting on June 18, 2025. Dr. Jenne Britell and Drayton Saunders were elected to serve as Co-Chairs of the Foundation’s board. They succeed Jim Travers, who is stepping down but will remain on the board after six years of distinguished service as Chairman. The Foundation expresses its deepest gratitude to him for his exceptional leadership during a pivotal period in the organization’s growth.
“Serving as Chairman of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation has been an honor during such a dynamic period,” said Travers. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, moving closer to realizing a world-class performing arts center. I have full confidence in the leadership of Dr. Jenne Britell and Drayton Saunders to guide the Foundation through its next exciting chapter.”
Since 2016, Travers has played a critical role in the Foundation’s evolution. In addition to serving as chairman, he stepped in as interim chief executive officer, providing stability and clear direction during a time of transition. He served on the CEO Search Committee that recruited nationally recognized arts leader Tania Castroverde Moskalenko to lead the Foundation and its signature project. Under his leadership, the Foundation advanced the vision for a new world-class Sarasota Performing Arts Center, designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Renzo Piano, and strengthened the organization’s philanthropic and civic partnerships.
“Jim Travers has been an extraordinary steward of this organization, guiding the Foundation with vision, dedication, and generosity during one of its most transformative chapters,” said Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, CEO of the Foundation. “As we welcome Jenne and Drayton as co-chairs, I am energized by their shared passion for the arts, deep ties to our community, and steadfast commitment to building a performing arts center that will inspire generations to come.”
Dr. Jenne Britell previously served as Vice Chair and has been with the Foundation since 2019. A retired banking executive, corporate board leader, and experienced nonprofit advisor, Dr. Britell has held senior leadership positions across the public and private sectors and served on several Fortune 500 and nonprofit boards including the Lincoln Financial Corporation, TIAA-CREF, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Curtis Institute of Music, and the Santa Fe Opera. Locally she has served on the board for Ringling College as well as the Circus Arts Conservancy. Dr. Britell was a senior executive of GE Capital, serving as the executive vice president of Global Consumer Finance and president of Global Mortgage and Commercial Banking. She also served as chairman of United Rentals, Inc., chairman and CEO of Structured Ventures, Inc., as well as board director of Crown Holdings, Inc., and Quest Diagnostics, Inc. Her global perspective, financial acumen, and passion for the arts will be instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s strategic vision.
“I am delighted to co-chair the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation with Drayton,” said Dr. Britell. “The vision for a new performing arts center is inspiring. A world-class arts center will not only elevate Sarasota's cultural landscape but also serve as a powerful engine for education and community engagement.”
Joining her is Drayton Saunders, President of Michael Saunders & Company. He brings to the Co-Chair role a deep commitment to Sarasota’s cultural and civic life. Currently, he spearheads the Foundation’s fundraising efforts as Campaign Cabinet Chair and has been an active member of the Board since 2021. A Sarasota native and respected business leader, Saunders has long championed efforts to enhance community well-being and the arts. He also serves on the board of directors of Gulfside Bank and is a member of Sarasota County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. Previously, he was on the board of directors of the Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. His understanding of regional development and longstanding engagement with the community positions him as a key advocate for the Foundation’s mission.
"I am honored to serve as co-chair alongside Dr. Jenne," said Saunders. “Our focus is clear, continue to work with the city, our board, and the community to ensure the successful realization of this transformative performing arts center, one that will profoundly enrich our community through the arts and vital arts education programs."
About The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s mission is to be a preeminent destination for the performing arts in the nation by offering extraordinary cultural and educational experiences that enrich our community, inspire minds, and manifest the power of the arts. The Foundation has partnered with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall since 1987 to support arts education throughout our region, serving more than 40,000 students and their families annually with enriching arts-based education opportunities and professional development for more than 400 teachers across five counties.
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is leading the vision to build a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center as a public-private partnership with the city and in collaboration with the Bay Park Conservancy and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. For more information about the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, please visit: PerformingArtsFoundation.org.