MICHAEL HARTLEY
Executive Producer, President
Michael T. Hartley, CFP® is the Chairman of DKE, Inc., Investment Counsel, with over 30 years experience in portfolio design and investment management. Michael has an extensive background in philanthropy and serving on boards of various charitable organizations. His book, “Master Plan: Integrating Your Financial Planning, Legal and Estate Planning, and Life Planning,” is used by estate planners and investment advisors nationwide. Michael was the co-founder and funder of the Venice Institute for Performing Arts, a non-profit corporation that operates the $15 million Venice Performing Arts Center.
BONNIE HARTLEY
Executive Director, Secretary/Treasurer
Bonnie Brown Hartley, Ph.D., is President of Transition Dynamics Inc, and specializes in leveraging change in enterprise. She is a Fellow in the Family Firm Institute and holds their certificate in family wealth advising. In 2010 she and husband, Michael T. Hartley, released the two-CD series, “Think Ahead.” Her books, “Sudden Death” and “Unexpected Wealth,” were published in 2006. In 2009, she co-authored “Family Wealth Transition Planning.” Bonnie co-founded and funded the Venice Institute for Performing Arts with her husband, Michael Hartley, in 2016.
BECCA ELDREDGE
Managing Director
Becca is thrilled to be entering her third season with the Venice Institute for Performing Arts. She holds a BFA in Theatrical Design and Production from the University of Michigan and is currently enrolled at the Savannah College of Art and Design in the Business Design and Arts Leadership masters program. Becca spent several years touring the country as an opera stage manager, before settling on Florida’s beautiful sun coast. She loves that her job at VIPA gives her the opportunity to work with both students and professionals on a daily basis, and enjoys helping students have meaningful experiences in the performing arts. Thanks to Ian, Maddox, Edison, and Kujo who are forever supportive of her extremely busy career. She would like to thank her amazing team here at VIPA for their commitment to our community and our students.
"To business that we love, we rise betime and go to’t with delight."- Shakespeare
STERLING PHILLIPS
Director of Production
A graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology, Sterling comes from a Fine Art Photography, Business and Marketing background. For the last seven plus years, Sterling has been a Stage Manager (SM, PSM) and enjoys the challenge each show provides. His favorite credits include: PSM of American Idiot, PSM of The Normal Heart, PSM of Legally Blonde, and SM for Big Fish. He is enthralled to be part of the VIPA family! You can find Sterling working with volunteers, assisting patrons, backstage assisting the talent, or in his office admiring the Florida landscape. With his time outside of the VPAC, he enjoys baking, cooking, SUP boarding, hiking, playing with his cats, and going on romantic adventures with his fiancé, Angelo. He would like to thank the staff and board members of VIPA for their continued support and kindness, and most of all to the volunteers who tirelessly donate their time to VIPA.
RENNO MANNE
Director of Safety and Security
Reno joined VIPA in the fall of 2016. With an extensive military background, Reno has a passion for ensuring the safety of everyone at our shows. This is Reno’s first experience with the performing arts and he has enjoyed learning about this field. Reno’s international experience in security has been invaluable to the Institute’s goal to keep our patrons safe. Reno loves nothing more than to spend time with his wife and daughter whom he loves very much.
BRAD PATTISON
Technical Director
Brad is happy to be back at his alma mater VHS (‘80). He is a graduate of FSU (‘86). He has lit everything from one-act plays to a 3-ring circus and has worked in theater since ‘96. Brad worked with Sesame Street Live, Disney on Ice, The Price is Right, Dolly Parton, Harry Connick Jr, and Idina Menzel, to name a few. Technical director, resident lighting designer, rigger, master electrician, sound engineer, carpenter, prop guy, and stage-hand are some of his previously held titles. Since 2002, Brad has been a member of the international Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees 412 in Sarasota.
KELSEY SIMPSON
Director of Communications
Kelsey joined the VIPA team in June of 2017. With a background in communications and art & design, Kelsey has the ability to weave all of her career passions into one at VIPA. She truly enjoys being a part of the team she gets to work amongst everyday. Kelsey is the only Sarasota native on the VIPA team, and she takes great pride in this beautiful "small" town. She is grateful for the opportunity to bring both cultural entertainment and arts educational programming to the same community in which she grew up. When not in the office, Kelsey can be found gardening, watercolor and acrylic painting, catching sunsets, going on adventures, cooking, discovering new restaurants, and playing with her 3 year old German Shepherd.
2018 Board Members:
Michael Hartley
Bonnie Hartley
Jane Goodwin
Jess Fronckowiak
Beatrice Holt
Fellowship Recipients:
SENIOR FELLOWS
2016-17
Miles Mowry
Casey Trascik
2017-18
David Monagas
Brittany Smith
2018-19
Evan Ackerman
Kelsey Simpson
STUDENT FELLOWS:
2016-17
Talia Ursel
2017-18
Anthony Desalvia
2018-19
Andrew Eason
Crystal Fox
