County Commissioner chosen as Argus executive director

Although Argus Foundation President Bill Merrill said the previous executive director would be hard to replace, the organization announced today that it has filled the position.

Sarasota County Commissioner Christine Robinson was chosen to take on the role of executive director for the non-profit organization.

Robinson will step into her new position in January.

“I am very eager to continue my service to our community by working for a prestigious non-profit,” she said in a press release. “I have long appreciated the community work and conversation that Argus has brought forward.”

The previous director, Kerry Kirschner, announced his retirement in October. He served as the executive director since 1993.

The Argus Foundation was established in 1985. Its goal is to benefit the community by pooling business leaders and their skills and experience in varied industries. It also provides a link for communication between the public and private sectors. The group has over 170 members representing 50 different industries.

Robinson was appointed by Gov. Charlie Christ to the Sarasota County Commission in November 2011 to fill a vacancy, but was elected in 2012. She now serves as vice-chair to the commission and represents District Three.

“Christine has earned the respect of the community through her work,” Merrill said. “She is well known and respected, not only in Sarasota, but throughout Florida. We know she will lead Argus to the next level of community engagement.”