Florida Grand Opera Restructures Board & Welcomes New Board Members

In order to create a more streamlined and effective composition, Florida Grand Opera has restructured its Board of Directors. Changes were voted into effect during a board meeting on Sept. 18, 2012, which also hosted the scheduled elections, welcoming new members.

The Board previously included both a Board President and Chairperson. The new structure eliminates the position of Board President. The Board will now be headed by a Chairperson with assistance from an Executive Committee that will also include the Immediate Past Chairperson, Jane Robinson, and Immediate Past President, Victor Mendelson.

Former FGO Vice President, William K. Hill, was elected to the post of Chairperson, and said: "These changes were implemented in connection with Board's hiring its new General Director and CEO, Susan Danis. We believe this structure reflects trends across the non-profit sector, and will create a more streamlined and effective organization. The Board is energized and excited for our new season, and to move forward as a top opera company in the coming years."

Additional changes include the creation of new committees including an Education Committee, and the appointment of heads of those committees, who will also serve on the Executive Committee. Additionally, the Board will now have a Chairperson Elect, and former Treasurer Charles Porter will serve in that position. The new officers will serve through the end of the 2014-2015 season.

At its September 18th meeting, the Board also welcomed new Board Members for a three-year term ending May 31, 2015:

Tony Cardinali’s passion for classical music came at a young age through his parent’s ownership of an Arthur Murray Ballroom Dance Studio, a company where he also spent the early years of his career. An avid fan of Italian operas, Cardinali is currently the vice president of the Bridge Group, which specializes in insurance, investments and estate planning. He currently resides in Coral Gables with his wife, Shirely, and five-year-old son, Antonio.

Kay Hancock-Apfel, Chairman and CEO of Consumer Asset Management, Inc. (CAM), has been a community activist and strong supporter of the cultural community since the 1960s. Hancock-Apfel is currently serving as Chair on the Board of Arts Learning and a Member of the Tocqueville Society at United Way. She previously served on MiMo, Upper Eastside Historical District, Urban

Environment League, the City if Miami Homeland Defense Bond OVersight Board, and City of Miami Bond Audit Committee.

Louise Moore, longtime FGO supporter and advocate, is a recent past president of the Opera Guild and Young Artist sponsor. A musical theatre major, she has committed her efforts to advancing young talent through education; first as a teacher and then as principal of Filer Middle School, G. Holmes Braddock Senior High, and North Twin Lakes Elementary Schools. For her dedication to education, Moore has been awarded many honors, among them the Outstanding Educational Leadership Achievement Award by Nova Southeastern University and the Miracle-Maker Award, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Miami

The board of directors also welcomes the following representatives from four of Florida Grand Opera’s supporting organizations: the Young Patronesses of the Opera President Kristin Podack and Vice President Patricia Mederos; the Florida Grand Opera Guild President Clara Toro; the Opera Society of Ft. Lauderdale returning President Kim Naimoli; and returning Crescendo Circle Chair Armando Olmedo, Esq.

Directors Peggy Czyzak-Dannenbaum, Nancy Jean Davis, Robert C. Gang Esq., James M. Herron, Nancy Herstand, Arlene Mendelson, Manny Perez, Jane A. Robinson and Dr. Morton J. Robinson were re-elected to three year terms ending May 31, 2015.

James M. Herron, Esq., was reelected as the Florida Grand Opera representative to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County Trust. Newly elected to the Finance Committee is Director Peggy Czyzak-Dannenbaum.