Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates directors thank Paul Blackketter for service as CEO and accept his resignation

SARASOTA -- Paul Blackketter, president and chief executive officer of Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, became emotional Wednesday as he thanked his board of directors for their support in good times and bad.

Blackketter, who has led the effort to bring world-class rowing to Nathan Benderson Park, thanked the SANCA board for urging him to get help for an anger problem captured in a 2015 video posted on YouTube, where he is seen using obscenities.

Blackketter later apologized profusely for the outburst, and promised to get counseling to curb his anger, which he said stemmed from 2003 U.S. Army service in Iraq.

"The things I go through, and the experiences I have had with post-traumatic stress, and not wanting to deal with it because I am programmed to suck it up and drive on like every other soldier, and you guys made me go and get help, and I did," Blackketter said.

"And that's what freed me, that's what allowed me to think and give me the confidence that I could do bigger things, and get away and expand my thought. I'm telling you that I am in such a better place than I have ever been and I have to give thanks to you guys," Blackketter said.

Blackketter announced in April he was stepping down from his job as president and CEO of SANCA to pursue other opportunities, but Wednesday was the first opportunity to talk to his entire board of directors.

Blackketter has pledged to stay at the helm of SANCA until Sept. 30, unless a replacement is found sooner.

Bill Robinson, chairman of the SANCA board, wished Blackketter well.

"What you have done for us over the years -- fantastic. You have been a delight to work with," Robinson said.

Ron Shapo, secretary of SANCA, likewise commended Blackketter for his work in building infrastructure and partnerships to develop Bradenton-Sarasota as a world rowing center. In recent weeks, Nathan Benderson Park has hosted four qualifying events for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, and will host the World Rowing Championships in 2017.

"I definitely applaud the work you have done for SANCA and more recently for yourself," Shapo said.

Director Jerry Marlar also thanked Blackketter for his enthusiasm for the project, for what he has accomplished, and for what he will accomplish in the future.

Elliott J. Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said he has traveled to many rowing destinations around the world with Blackketter, and considers him a brother.

"Everybody loves and believes in Paul," Falcione said.

The board accepted Blackketter's resignation with the extended exit date of Sept. 30, and asked Robinson to continue negotiating with Prodigy Sports on a contract to conduct a search for a new CEO and president. Pay for the job is estimated at between $100,000 and $120,000.

In other business, the board discussed construction of the boathouse and the finish tower.

The window of opportunity is narrowing for completion of the boathouse before the World Rowing Championships, but is not considered essential for the event.

More urgently needed is the finish tower, which is essential to the championships. It is forecast to be completed by July 2017. Concrete for the finish tower foundation was being poured Wednesday.

James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee reporter, can be contacted at 941-745-7053 or on Twitter @jajones1.

This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates directors thank Paul Blackketter for service as CEO and accept his resignation ."