Realize Bradenton founder Johnette Isham has died. She was key to Riverwalk and more
Realize Bradenton’s founding executive director, Johnette Isham, has died, the nonprofit said Tuesday in a news release.
Isham, 70, retired at the end of last October to spend more time with family, according to a previous Bradenton Herald report. She spent 13 years in the executive director role.
Isham was pivotal in multiple community engagements, including the Riverwalk that opened in 2012, the Public Market, Village of the Arts, Blues Festival and more.
“We would not have the Public Market or the Blues Festival, Long Table, or ArtSlam if it weren’t for her,” Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said in a news release in 2022. “She will be sorely missed, but I wish her all the best, everything she deserves, in her retirement.”
In 2016, Realize Bradenton was named the Manatee Small Business of the Year winner in the nonprofit category.
Realize Bradenton’s social media post about her death reads, in part, as follows:
“Through her leadership, Realize Bradenton implemented the Cultural Master Plan, which was the catalyst behind the revitalization of downtown Bradenton and the development of the Riverwalk. She worked tirelessly to bring people together, promote civic pride, and economic development.
Johnette celebrated the arts with a great deal of passion. She worked with local artists to install public art in downtown spaces and enthusiastically supported local entrepreneurs, makers, creators, musicians, and business owners. Outside of the office, she was known by her friends and coworkers for her quirky costumes, spontaneous dance parties, and love of pigs in a blanket.
... We will remember her for her countless big ideas, limitless enthusiasm, and the positive influence she had on our community. She will be missed.”
No cause of death was given.
This story was originally published August 1, 2023 at 1:56 PM.
