SAA GOVERNING BOARD
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Rob McLainPresidentRob McLain is a partner at the law firm of Metcalfe & McLain. He is a graduate of the University of Florida (B.A., major in Philosophy and minor in English), and George Mason University School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude). Prior to his legal career, Rob taught middle school English and worked in information technology. In addition to his work with SAA, Rob is a board member and Secretary of Sarasota Contemporary Dance. He is a happily married father of three extremely active children. In his spare time, Rob practices Jiu jitsu, and writes the daddy column for Mommy Magazine.
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Dr. Carol ToddVice PresidentDr. Todd earned a Ph.D. from the College of Education, University of South Florida; a Master’s degree in special education from American University in Washington, DC; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of South Florida.
Currently Dr. Todd serves as an instructional coordinator and designs online curriculum and courses in the areas of early childhood education and human development for Rio Salado College in Tempe, AZ. At the university level, she has taught classes in early childhood education, exceptional student education, educational leadership and research. She has conducted research in the areas of special education, effective uses of technology in online classes, and leadership; she presented her work at national and international conferences. As national educational and governance consultant, she works with schools, school districts, foundations and nonprofit organizations in the areas of governance and capacity building. Prior to her work at the university level, Dr. Todd taught public school in Florida for 10 years teaching special education at the elementary and middle school levels and adult basic education in a correctional facility. Dr. Todd served four terms (16 years) as an elected Sarasota (Florida) School Board Member and twice served as board chair. She enjoy swimming and traveling and has traveled to six continents and has two adorable adopted Havanese. SecretaryJoseph SolanoJoe holds a B.S. in Computer and Systems Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. As a successful businessman with over 25 years’ experience he is currently a Partner and Chief Technology officer for XL Technologies. XL Technologies is a Sarasota, FL based technology firm that specializes in real estate software and marketing services. Joe and his extended family have held various active roles in music and the performing arts over the years and he is enthusiastic about assisting in the long term sustainability and success of SAA.
Dan DembickiTreasurerFor the first 20 years of his career, Dan Dembicki applied his MA degree to the business world where he launched a consulting practice engaged by venture capital firms to enhancement their portfolio investments in the areas of operational expertise and sales. As a musician, Dan has played the organ and piano at churches in his home state of Michigan and now here in Sarasota where he is residing organist at Sarasota Baptist Church. Incorporating his passion for music with a business idea he Co-Founded AirWorks Media – A music software company that conducted an IPO on NASDAQ and whose music tools were used in music libraries on a worldwide basis.
Dembicki maintains his consulting practice in Sarasota and has now added musicians and artists to his client list helping them with their brand development, audience promotion, personal growth and business savvy. Dan plays a wide range of Musical Styles which include Christian, Classical, Popular, Orchestral Styles, Swing and Stride. He plays in a variety of combos in the SRQ area: Sarasota Jazz Project, Tropical Ave., Shane Chalke Trio, Ocean’s Eleven Big Band, Smokey’s Session, the Accidentalz, Shift Change, Grove To Move Band and more. Dan grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music, with a major in Organ Performance and a Minor in Choral Music Pedagogy Central Michigan University. He also writes and Arranges Orchestral Music as well as for Big Band, Gospel Music and Classical Garrett BrydBoard MemberGarrett Byrd is currently the vice president of franchise development for Storage Authority Franchise. He obtained his Associate's degree with a focus in communications at Manatee Community College with continued studies at the University of South Florida. Garrett comes from a background in real estate and management before joining the dynamic Self-Storage industry in 2009. He hopes to add value to the SAA board from a proven record of success in business management, team building, marketing, and sales.
He is happily married with two children who attend SAA and was inspired by seeing the self-confidence and growth the performing arts have brought out in his own kids. He strongly values the education in a small school community which brings a family atmosphere. Garrett looks forward to being part of the progression Sarasota Academy of the Arts within our wonderful community. |
