After six years in his role as chairman, Jim Travers is transitioning from his leadership position at the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation (SPAF) but will continue to serve on its board of directors. The foundation has appointed Jenne Britell and Drayton Saunders as co-chairs to oversee the organization's next phase. This change occurs as SPAF seeks approval from the Sarasota City Commission for an implementation agreement related to the design of a new performing arts center. CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko expressed gratitude for Travers' dedication and welcomed the new co-chairs, highlighting their passion for the arts and strong community connections.
Travers joined the board in 2016 and played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation’s strategic direction. In addition to serving as chairman, he temporarily assumed the role of interim CEO and was instrumental in recruiting Castroverde Moskalenko. His tenure saw significant progress toward establishing a world-class performing arts center. Reflecting on his time with the foundation, Travers praised the achievements made during his tenure and expressed confidence in the abilities of Britell and Saunders to lead the organization forward.
Jenne Britell brings extensive experience in both corporate and nonprofit sectors to her new role. Since joining the board in 2019, she has served as vice chair and held senior positions at organizations such as Lincoln Financial Corp., TIAA-CREF, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Curtis Institute of Music, and the Santa Fe Opera. Locally, she has contributed to Ringling College and the Circus Arts Conservatory. Her background includes roles as executive vice president of Global Consumer Finance and president of Global Mortgage and Commercial Banking at GE Capital, as well as leadership positions at United Rentals Inc., Structured Ventures Inc., Crown Holdings Inc., and Quest Diagnostics Inc.
Drayton Saunders, president of Michael Saunders & Company, is deeply committed to Sarasota’s cultural and civic development. As Campaign Cabinet chair, he has been actively involved in fundraising efforts for the foundation since 2021. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors of Gulfside Bank and contributes to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee of Sarasota County. His previous involvements include memberships with the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
The transition in leadership marks a pivotal moment for the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation as it moves closer to realizing its ambitious plans for the new performing arts center. With Britell and Saunders at the helm, the organization is poised to leverage their combined expertise and commitment to advance this transformative project that promises to enrich the cultural landscape of the region for generations to come.