The Venice Symphony has announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors with three-year terms beginning on June 1: Debbi Benedict, David Chivas and Alicia King Robinson. Benedict is a columnist for the Herald-Tribune’s Style Magazine and long-time community volunteer, including chairing many galas and luncheons, along with being the president of several local boards.  She and her husband Jan, have been residents of Nokomis for 36 years. Chivas grew up in Michigan, where he worked at Ford Funeral Home for 22 years, taking over as owner for another 22 years before retiring in 2012. A former violin and viola player, he has had a home in the Venice area for many years, moving here full-time four years ago. Robinson is a Venice native and the director of public relations at Three Six Oh PR, a Sarasota-based public relations agency. She has worked in the agency and nonprofit sectors and for The Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County. Returning members of the Venice Symphony Board of Directors are Robert Anderson (president), Kevin Bellosa (musicians’ representative), Maureen Bentley, Elliott Corn, Jim Crandall, Barbara Freeman, David Joyner, Floyd Juday, Paul McCullough (vice president), Donna Perkins (secretary), Mack Wilcox (treasurer) and Janice Zarro Wood.

Venice Symphony