The Van Wezel Foundation (Foundation) announced that after a national search led by WittKieffer, Mark Cole has joined the Foundation’s executive leadership team in the newly created position of Chief Advancement & Marketing Officer. Cole is an accomplished senior philanthropy and marketing executive with over 20 years of experience across education and performing arts organizations. He will drive the transformative fundraising campaign to build the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center on The Bay. 

Cole brings a breadth of artistic and operational expertise from 13 years at Miami City Ballet as their production director, and then general manager. Cole played a critical role in the Ballet’s 5-year strategic plan, philanthropy growth, and marketing rebranding, while also representing the Ballet’s interest as a resident company during the planning, construction and opening of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

“I am pleased to be joining the Foundation at this pivotal moment," says Cole. "I know the future Sarasota Performing Arts Center will have a profound impact in advancing education and enriching our community for generations to come.”