Voelker, Shearer and Markham begin two-year terms
Three new members have been appointed to the board of directors of Visit Sarasota County (VSC), the county’s tourism bureau, the organization announced this week.
They are Trevor Markham, vice president of Florida Operations for the Baltimore Orioles; Chris Voelker, proprietor of State Street Eating House + Cocktails and BESO; and Virginia Shearer, executive director of Sarasota Art Museum, a news release says. All will serve two-year terms; those began on Oct. 1, the start of Visit Sarasota County’s 2027 fiscal year, the release adds.
Markham “brings more than two decades of experience leading the Orioles’ Florida operations and a wealth of expertise in operations and community partnerships,” the release points out.
Voelker, “a distinguished business leader, has also distinguished herself in the community through extensive civic and nonprofit leadership,” the release continues.
Shearer’s more than two decades of leadership “demonstrates a proven track record of growing cultural institutions and deepening engagement,” the release notes.
“These leaders truly understand the power of strong institutions and bringing people together to create meaningful connections across our community,” said John LaCivita, chair of the VSC board, in the release. “We’re intentional about bringing new and diverse voices to the table, and that diversity is exactly what Visit Sarasota County needs to fulfill our mission of making Sarasota County a better place by promoting our community on the world stage,” he added. “We’re fortunate to have Trevor, Chris, and Virginia joining our board, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.”
Continuing their service to the Executive Committee in 2027 along with LaCivita are the following:
- Richard Russell, generaland artisticdirector of Sarasota Opera — immediate past chair.
- Tim Self,managing partner of SiestaWealth — vice chair.
- Wes Santos,regional director of operations ofDreamscape Hospitality — secretary/treasurer.
The other board members are Sarasota County Commissioner Tom Knight; Susie Bowie, president and CEO of The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation; Stacey Corley, president of the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation; Kim Farrell, chief operating officer at Fox Lea Farm in Venice; Mike Quillen, president of Gecko’s Hospitality Group; Jason Samson, general manager of Aloft Sarasota; Mark Sherwin, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota; and Heather Van Wie, president and CEO of The Cottages on the Key, the release notes.
For more information about Visit Sarasota County’s leadership and role in tourism, business engagement, and community outreach, visit www.visitsarasotacountytransparency.com.