Names and faces in Manatee and Sarasota counties

David Sylvester joined Michael Saunders & Company in Bradenton as a real estate agent. Sylvester previously was employed as a senior health care executive.

Nick Figlow joined SaraBay Real Estate as a real estate sales professional. Figlow served on numerous committees of the Sarasota Association of Realtors and was the president of the organization in 2004. He has owned, managed and held the position of president of various real estate companies.

James O. Fergeson Jr., J. Ronald Skipper, Richard R. Gans and Douglas R. Bald, all shareholders in the law firm of Fergeson Skipper, P.A., were named to the 2017 list of Florida Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers, a service of Thomson-Reuters-Legal Division, recognizes attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition, met ethical standards and been recognized for their professional achievements.

Greg London is the new director of artistic operations and Becca Jennings is the new marketing director at Florida Studio Theatre. London worked with a variety of theaters across the country such as Celebration Music Theatre, The Palace Theatre, Richmond Free Shakespeare Festival and the Spoleto Festival USA. He holds a master of fine arts degree from Arizona State University. Jennings previously served as marketing and communications manager for First Person Arts. She holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in 2D fine art and a minor in art history from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia.

Bill Johnson was elected to the Florida Solar Energy Industry Association 2017-2019 board of directors. Johnson is president of Brilliant Harvest LLC.

Perla Whitaker has teamed with SaraBay Real Estate to establish “Perla’s Properties,” a property management and leasing division within the company. Whitaker attended elementary, middle and high school in Palmetto and obtained her real estate license in 2002.

Dr. Judy Smith was reappointed president of the board of directors at HOPE Family Services. Dr. Smith senior vice president quality assurance and regulatory affairs OneBlood.

This story was originally published July 30, 2017 at 8:40 AM with the headline "Names and faces in Manatee and Sarasota counties."