BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Board
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President | Anthony Aramendia, Casselberry City Commissioner
Anthony Aramendia was born and raised in Miami. A resident of Casselberry since 2005, Anthony was Vice-Chairman of the City’s Planning & Zoning Committee and chaired Casselberry’s Housing Task Force. He is currently a Casselberry City Commissioner, focusing on politically moving the city forward. He remains committed to community involvement and serves as Casselberry Friends of the Park Vice-President and Earth Fest Chair (from 2011-2017.) A strong advocate for the arts, Anthony works to expand Casselberry’s arts offerings through the City of Casselberry Art House and is a member of the Florida Sculptors Guild. He is also fluent in Spanish, French and Swedish. |
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Secretary | Josie Foranoce
Josie Foranoce has been with AdventHealth Altamone (formerly Florida Hospital) 25 years and is Director of Laboratory Operations there. She also serves as Administrator for their Art of Healing Gallery and partners with SCAC to offer an innovative Art in Public Places program of juried art exhibitions. In addition, Josie is actively involved as a community volunteer for Shepherd’s Hope and also for Kids House of Seminole, Inc. Advocacy Center. |
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Treasurer | Steve Nelson
A graduate of Stetson University in DeLand, Steve Nelson retired after a career as Senior Manager with Lucent Technologies and the Project Management Masters Program at the AT&T School of Business. Known as “Mr. Logistics” for his ability to multi-task with several non-profits at a time, Steve is Past-President of SCAC, Co-Founder and board member of the St. Johns River Festival of the Arts in Historic Sanford, Florida, Co-founder and Past-Officer of the Red River Festival of the Arts, Shreveport, Louisiana and Past-Officer and board member of the Lake Mary-Heathrow Festival of the Arts, Lake Mary. He currently serves on the board of the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, and the Advisory Board of the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands where he and his wife, Victoria, spend part of each year. |
Board of Directors
Mary Blake
A native of Connecticut, Mary attended college in Rhode Island and moved with her young son to South Florida. She and her husband had a CPA firm and a software company associated with long-term healthcare. Following her husband’s death and the sale of her company, Mary relocated to Oviedo and is enjoying volunteer activities during her retirement. They include the Oviedo Preservation Project, Oviedo Police Foundation, FL Federation of Woman’s Clubs, the Suburban Republican Woman’s Club Federated, and she has now included a new focus on arts and culture with SCAC.
A native of Connecticut, Mary attended college in Rhode Island and moved with her young son to South Florida. She and her husband had a CPA firm and a software company associated with long-term healthcare. Following her husband’s death and the sale of her company, Mary relocated to Oviedo and is enjoying volunteer activities during her retirement. They include the Oviedo Preservation Project, Oviedo Police Foundation, FL Federation of Woman’s Clubs, the Suburban Republican Woman’s Club Federated, and she has now included a new focus on arts and culture with SCAC.
James Brendlinger
James is head of the theater department at Matanzas High in Palm Coast. Prior to that, he served as Chairman of Arts & Communication at Lake Howell High, teaching Stagecraft, Acting, and Directing for 21 years while producing over 260 plays and musicals. He has served with Central Florida Theater Festival, FL State Junior Thespians, Thespian groups in Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Flagler & Lake Counties, and through Penguin Point Productions, has produced plays at the Orlando International Fringe Festival for more than 15 years. He provides costumes, props and set-building resources to schools, theaters, and churches statewide. James received a scholarship in 2014 to study at the Globe Theatre in London, a 2017 scholarship to study Creative Writing at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has been the recipient of numerous theatrical association and community service awards. James also appears each weekend on Rollins College WPRK 91.5FM as radio host ‘Jimmy Popular’.
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James is head of the theater department at Matanzas High in Palm Coast. Prior to that, he served as Chairman of Arts & Communication at Lake Howell High, teaching Stagecraft, Acting, and Directing for 21 years while producing over 260 plays and musicals. He has served with Central Florida Theater Festival, FL State Junior Thespians, Thespian groups in Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Flagler & Lake Counties, and through Penguin Point Productions, has produced plays at the Orlando International Fringe Festival for more than 15 years. He provides costumes, props and set-building resources to schools, theaters, and churches statewide. James received a scholarship in 2014 to study at the Globe Theatre in London, a 2017 scholarship to study Creative Writing at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has been the recipient of numerous theatrical association and community service awards. James also appears each weekend on Rollins College WPRK 91.5FM as radio host ‘Jimmy Popular’.
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Rosalie Cook
Rosalie Wright Cook, Ph.D. was born and raised in the Historic Goldsboro community of Sanford. She attended Crooms High School, FAMU and UCF. Dr. Cook counseled 1st-generation African-American students for 8 years at UF, and was a guidance counselor for 22 years in Seminole County Public Schools. Dr Cook sat at the feet of family members and church elders to soak up stories about her heritage and culture. She developed a passion for the study of history, maps and nature, which led her to the art of storytelling in the voices of her elders. She has volunteered her time with Social Action of Sanford, Delta Sigma Theta, Seminole County Historical Society, and the Historic Evergreen Cemetery. She loves the arts, culture and history, and connecting with creative minds.
Rosalie Wright Cook, Ph.D. was born and raised in the Historic Goldsboro community of Sanford. She attended Crooms High School, FAMU and UCF. Dr. Cook counseled 1st-generation African-American students for 8 years at UF, and was a guidance counselor for 22 years in Seminole County Public Schools. Dr Cook sat at the feet of family members and church elders to soak up stories about her heritage and culture. She developed a passion for the study of history, maps and nature, which led her to the art of storytelling in the voices of her elders. She has volunteered her time with Social Action of Sanford, Delta Sigma Theta, Seminole County Historical Society, and the Historic Evergreen Cemetery. She loves the arts, culture and history, and connecting with creative minds.
Bob Dallari, Seminole County Commissioner
Bob Dallari currently serves as Chairman of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners. He was first seated in November 2004, re-elected in 2008, and ran unopposed for a third term in 2012. He resides in Oviedo, where he served for eight years on the Oviedo City Council (four years as Chairman). He is a native of New York City and graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He is employed by Walt Disney World. Commissioner Dallari is known to be a strong supporter of the arts, greenways and trails, the preservation of county and state natural lands and wilderness areas, and excellence in public schools. His community involvement includes Four H, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Kids House of Seminole, Meals On Wheels, Oviedo/Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce, Relay for Life, and the Seminole County Extension Overall Advisory Board.
Bob Dallari currently serves as Chairman of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners. He was first seated in November 2004, re-elected in 2008, and ran unopposed for a third term in 2012. He resides in Oviedo, where he served for eight years on the Oviedo City Council (four years as Chairman). He is a native of New York City and graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He is employed by Walt Disney World. Commissioner Dallari is known to be a strong supporter of the arts, greenways and trails, the preservation of county and state natural lands and wilderness areas, and excellence in public schools. His community involvement includes Four H, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Kids House of Seminole, Meals On Wheels, Oviedo/Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce, Relay for Life, and the Seminole County Extension Overall Advisory Board.
Jill Duff-Hoppes
A native of Kentucky, Jill graduated from Western Kentucky University with a double major in journalism and sociology. Transplanted to Central Florida, she was a reporter at the Orlando Sentinel and Sanford Herald before becoming a magazine and newspaper staff writer. Since 2014 she has been with Lake Mary Life Publishing (including Longwood Life, Oviedo-Winter Springs Life, and J Life.) As arts editor, she writes extensively about visual and performing arts. The best professional compliment she ever received was being called “an evangelist for the arts.” Jill is an active patron of the arts, volunteer, and visual artist, exhibiting her own paintings and photographs, volunteering for Orlando Shakes, Winter Park Playhouse, Ritz Theater, Central Florida Community Arts, Orlando Fringe, and FusionFest. She welcomes any chance to help grow the arts in Seminole County and Central Florida.
A native of Kentucky, Jill graduated from Western Kentucky University with a double major in journalism and sociology. Transplanted to Central Florida, she was a reporter at the Orlando Sentinel and Sanford Herald before becoming a magazine and newspaper staff writer. Since 2014 she has been with Lake Mary Life Publishing (including Longwood Life, Oviedo-Winter Springs Life, and J Life.) As arts editor, she writes extensively about visual and performing arts. The best professional compliment she ever received was being called “an evangelist for the arts.” Jill is an active patron of the arts, volunteer, and visual artist, exhibiting her own paintings and photographs, volunteering for Orlando Shakes, Winter Park Playhouse, Ritz Theater, Central Florida Community Arts, Orlando Fringe, and FusionFest. She welcomes any chance to help grow the arts in Seminole County and Central Florida.
BARBARA A. HUGHES
Barbara A. Hughes is a native-born Floridian who grew up in St. Petersburg, and resides in Sanford. She received her BS from Texas Tech and MS from Oklahoma State University. She taught high school in El Paso, TX prior to a 38-year career as an Agriculture Extension Agent and then County Extension Director through the University of Florida/IFAS and Seminole County Government. During this time, she was ‘on loan’ to the US Dept. of Agriculture to head up the Human Capacity Development Project for the South African Dept. of Agriculture, empowering youth and families to build healthy lives and achieve social and economic success. She has long volunteered through Rotary Club, helping with polio immunizations in India, and as Team Leader taking young professionals to Uruguay for a group study exchange. Barbara is a long-time supporter of SCAC and arts and culture and has served on the SCAC grant review committee. She is the proud grandmother to her son’s three fabulous daughters.
Barbara A. Hughes is a native-born Floridian who grew up in St. Petersburg, and resides in Sanford. She received her BS from Texas Tech and MS from Oklahoma State University. She taught high school in El Paso, TX prior to a 38-year career as an Agriculture Extension Agent and then County Extension Director through the University of Florida/IFAS and Seminole County Government. During this time, she was ‘on loan’ to the US Dept. of Agriculture to head up the Human Capacity Development Project for the South African Dept. of Agriculture, empowering youth and families to build healthy lives and achieve social and economic success. She has long volunteered through Rotary Club, helping with polio immunizations in India, and as Team Leader taking young professionals to Uruguay for a group study exchange. Barbara is a long-time supporter of SCAC and arts and culture and has served on the SCAC grant review committee. She is the proud grandmother to her son’s three fabulous daughters.
Kenna Henry
Kenna is a Sanford native with a strong sense of history and culture from first-hand understanding of the city’s neighborhoods. She attended Seminole State College and UCF, and was an Aviation Electrician in the Marine Corps. Following her military service, Kenna worked for local government including the Sanford Police Department and, for the past 17 years, the City of Casselberry where she is currently employed as the Public Works business analyst. She is an active member in Leadership Seminole (Class# 29), a mother of three, and has ties to the arts community since working with Trent Tomengo, Professor of African American Humanities at SSC. Kenna brings a unique creativity and diverse and eclectic viewpoint to the SCAC board.
Kenna is a Sanford native with a strong sense of history and culture from first-hand understanding of the city’s neighborhoods. She attended Seminole State College and UCF, and was an Aviation Electrician in the Marine Corps. Following her military service, Kenna worked for local government including the Sanford Police Department and, for the past 17 years, the City of Casselberry where she is currently employed as the Public Works business analyst. She is an active member in Leadership Seminole (Class# 29), a mother of three, and has ties to the arts community since working with Trent Tomengo, Professor of African American Humanities at SSC. Kenna brings a unique creativity and diverse and eclectic viewpoint to the SCAC board.
Melanie A. Mucario, Esq.
Melanie is an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida, and is part of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Prior to joining the AG’s Office, Melanie was in private practice. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 1998 with a BS in Political Science. She obtained her juris doctorate and MBA from Stetson University College of Law in December 2001. Melanie is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, Federal Court in the Middle District of Florida and Federal Bankruptcy Court. Melanie was born in Elizabeth, NJ, but spent a good portion of her childhood in Lake Mary, Florida and is a graduate of Lake Mary High School.
Melanie is an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida, and is part of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Prior to joining the AG’s Office, Melanie was in private practice. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 1998 with a BS in Political Science. She obtained her juris doctorate and MBA from Stetson University College of Law in December 2001. Melanie is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, Federal Court in the Middle District of Florida and Federal Bankruptcy Court. Melanie was born in Elizabeth, NJ, but spent a good portion of her childhood in Lake Mary, Florida and is a graduate of Lake Mary High School.
Bonnie Sprung
Bonnie Sprung earned an Associates of Fine Arts degree at Valencia Community College and a Bachelor’s of Art from Hofstra University in New York, with a major in Theatrical Production and a minor in Graphics Design. She specialized in makeup and set design and trained in perspective drawing, 2-and-3 dimensional design, drafting, layout and photography. Ms. Sprung worked on several magazines as both a photographer and writer, and as photography became a passion, she mastered the art of theatrical photography, actors’ head shots, and capturing bodybuilders on film, which led her to the art of bodysculpting with iron. She is now an accomplished National Competitor in the field. Bonnie is owner of 4 businesses, all dealing with art or fitness. She has over 20 years experience in curating and judging art exhibits and high school thespian competitions, and is a past-president and member of the Florida Chapter of Women’s Caucus for Art. In addition to designing sets and art exhibitions, Bonnie Sprung creates and sells wearable art. She is also in demand for her mixed media art demos and workshops.
Bonnie Sprung earned an Associates of Fine Arts degree at Valencia Community College and a Bachelor’s of Art from Hofstra University in New York, with a major in Theatrical Production and a minor in Graphics Design. She specialized in makeup and set design and trained in perspective drawing, 2-and-3 dimensional design, drafting, layout and photography. Ms. Sprung worked on several magazines as both a photographer and writer, and as photography became a passion, she mastered the art of theatrical photography, actors’ head shots, and capturing bodybuilders on film, which led her to the art of bodysculpting with iron. She is now an accomplished National Competitor in the field. Bonnie is owner of 4 businesses, all dealing with art or fitness. She has over 20 years experience in curating and judging art exhibits and high school thespian competitions, and is a past-president and member of the Florida Chapter of Women’s Caucus for Art. In addition to designing sets and art exhibitions, Bonnie Sprung creates and sells wearable art. She is also in demand for her mixed media art demos and workshops.
Stephen Summers, Ph.D.
Stephen Summers was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH to parents who urged their children to sing and learn to play musical instruments. In his academic life he studied the Sciences, earning Bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry, but his love of the Arts led Dr. Summers to participate in on-stage productions throughout college as well as singing in multiple choirs to the present. He served as Board Chair for The Orlando Chorale, Inc. from 2007-2010 and is currently performing with the Central Florida Community Arts Choir and Central Florida Community Arts Orchestra. Stephen Summers has seen firsthand the positive effects of the Arts in people’s lives, and enjoys his role as the new Associate Vice President of Arts & Sciences at Seminole State College where it is his responsibility to support and promote Seminole State College’s Arts & Culture offerings in the community.
Stephen Summers was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH to parents who urged their children to sing and learn to play musical instruments. In his academic life he studied the Sciences, earning Bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry, but his love of the Arts led Dr. Summers to participate in on-stage productions throughout college as well as singing in multiple choirs to the present. He served as Board Chair for The Orlando Chorale, Inc. from 2007-2010 and is currently performing with the Central Florida Community Arts Choir and Central Florida Community Arts Orchestra. Stephen Summers has seen firsthand the positive effects of the Arts in people’s lives, and enjoys his role as the new Associate Vice President of Arts & Sciences at Seminole State College where it is his responsibility to support and promote Seminole State College’s Arts & Culture offerings in the community.
Staff
Diane Merkt, Program Manager
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Nicole Fournier, Accountant
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