All entries tagged with “SANCA”

Blackketter Resigns as President of SANCA

Posted by Jacob Ogles on Thursday Apr 28, 2016 12:16 pm

Paul Blackketter, Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates president and CEO, today announced his resignation from the organization with plans to work now as a consultant. He has offered to stay on as land as Sept. 30 until a new president is hired by SANCA. “I feel very grateful that I was given the opportunity to be part of such a significant and impactful project that will shape the Sarasota-Manatee community for years to come,” Blackketter said.  “Creating the world-class rowing venue at NBP has been an incredible journey and something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. It’s time for me to pursue new avenues that will allow me continue to do what I love on a grander scale.”  

Blackketter was a major force in the creation of the organization and of establishing Nathan Benderson Park, which SANCA is contracted by Sarasota County to operate, as a world-class venue for rowing and other sports.

Officials credited Blackketter with the organization’s rapid ascension as one of the most popular venue for rowing in the world. Nathan Benderson Park will host the World Rowing Championships in 2017 and the World Masters Rowing Championships in 2018. Last weekend, the park hosted the US Olympic and Paralympic Trials. The Florida Sports Foundation in 2015 named the park as the Sports Venue of the Year.

“After seven years devoted to the development of Nathan Benderson Park as one of Florida’s foremost parks and one of the world’s premier rowing venues, Paul has decided to pursue a career in consulting,” said Bill Robinson, SANCA’s board chair, in accepting Paul’s resignation.

Rissler Named COO at Benderson Park

Posted by Jacob Ogles on Thursday Jun 18, 2015 3:26 pm

Nicole Rissler will leave her position as Visit Sarasota County sports director to be the new chief operating officer for Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center, the nonprofit that runs operations for Nathan Benderson Park. “I am honored to have this opportunity to be part of an amazing team of leaders and staff that are doing outstanding things for our community,” said Rissler. “I am delighted to have been asked to be part of this incredible community park and to assist in leaving a legacy for many generations to come.”

Rissler in her capacity as the county's sports commissioner has been deeply involved with Benderson Park before, working on behalf of Visit Sarasota County to land the 2017 World Rowing Championships. The move also shows a maturation at SANCA as it develops a permanent staff for an increasingly important sports venue. “We have been looking for the right candidate for more than a year and are very excited to have Nicole’s expertise to lift our organization to future greatness,” said Paul Blackketter, SANCA president. “Not only will she be able to sprint into the position, she will be a great addition to our team.”

The COO comes in with 14 years of nonprofit experience and a master's in Sports Administration. Previous work includes jobs at the YMCA, American Red Cross and Lynn University.

“Although a huge loss for Visit Sarasota County, we are thrilled for Nicole and know she will be an amazing asset to Nathan Benderson Park, and the SANCA team and our entire community,” commented Virginia Haley, president Visit Sarasota County.

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