Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation makes leadership move

After six years as chairman of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, Jim Travers is stepping back from his leadership position, but will remain a member of the board of directors.

In his place, the board has named Jenne Britell and Drayton Saunders as co-chairs.

The change comes at a critical juncture as the foundation is seeking Sarasota City Commission approval of an implementation agreement for continued design of a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

“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 SPAF CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko in a news release. “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.”

Travers has served as a board member since 2016. Besides chairman, he stepped in as interim CEO and was a member of the CEO Search Committee that brought Castroverde Moskalenko to lead the foundation and its signature project, construction of the new PAC.

“Serving as chairman of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation has been an honor during such a dynamic period,” Travers said in the news release. “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 Jenne Britell and Drayton Saunders to guide the Foundation through its next exciting chapter.”

A board member since 2019, Britell was previously vice chair. A retired banking executive, corporate board leader and experienced nonprofit advisor, she has held senior leadership positions in both public and private sectors and has been a member of several Fortune 500 and nonprofit boards including the Lincoln Financial Corp., TIAA-CREF, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Curtis Institute of Music and the Santa Fe Opera. Locally, she has served on the board for Ringling College and the Circus Arts Conservancy. 

She was a senior executive of GE Capital as executive vice president of Global Consumer Finance and president of Global Mortgage and Commercial Banking. She has been chair of United Rentals Inc., chair and CEO of Structured Ventures Inc. and has been a board director of Crown Holdings Inc. and Quest Diagnostics Inc.

As president of Michael Saunders & Company, Saunders brings a 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. 

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 Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.