New rowing park president named

The nonprofit that runs Nathan Benderson Park officially has a new president and CEO.

Robert Sullivan will take the reins as the next leader of the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates on Monday.

Sullivan, who has more than 35 years of experience as an event and venue management executive, comes to the organization from Wichita Falls, Texas, where he managed the Multi-Purpose Events Center, which included “an arena, convention center, horse exhibition center and memorial auditorium for the past 11 years,” a news release states.

“Nathan Benderson Park has established itself as a premier rowing center and versatile county park hosting a multitude of community sponsored events,” Sullivan said in the release. “I am excited to begin working with the SANCA board, the staff and Sarasota County Government, taking NBP to the next level of excellence locally and on a world stage.”

Nathan Benderson Park, a Sarasota County park, is run by the nonprofit SANCA. Nathan Benderson Park has hosted a number of high-profile events and will host the 2017 World Rowing Championship.

The search began for a new president and CEO after Paul Blackketter announced in April that he would be stepping down to pursue a career in consulting. Blackketter said he would remain in his position until his replacement was on board or until Sept. 30.

More than 60 resumes were submitted to SANCA and the board unanimously selected Sullivan, according to Bill Robinson, chairman of the SANCA board.

“Bob’s mindset that public venues are designed to provide a variety of events and activities that enhance the quality of life and economic opportunities for the citizens and businesses in the community mirrors our philosophy,” Robinson said in the release. “We are confident he is the right person to lead Nathan Benderson Park and the great team we currently have in place.”

Prior to managing the Multi-Purpose Events Center, Sullivan worked in senior management roles at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England, Shoreline Ampitheater in Mountain View, Calif., and the MetroCentre in Rockford, Ill., according to the release.

This story was originally published August 10, 2016 at 2:16 PM with the headline "New rowing park president named."