Sarasota Memorial CEO to head statewide hospital organization
David Verinder, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System president and chief executive officer, has been named chair of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, marking the second time he has been selected to lead the statewide organization.
Verinder will serve a two-year term on the 14-member board of directors composed of CEOs from teaching, public, children’s, and regional perinatal intensive care hospitals.
“Florida’s safety-net hospitals have a tremendous responsibility to ensure that people have access to the care they need, regardless of their circumstances,” Verinder said. “I’m honored to once again serve as chair and work with hospital leaders across the state to strengthen that mission and ensure these vital health systems can continue
meeting the needs of the communities they serve.”
Verinder has served as president and CEO for Sarasota Memorial for the past 12 years, previously serving as its chief operating officer (2010-14) and chief financial officer (2006-10). During his 30-year career, he has served on numerous leadership and health care industry boards.
New Manatee RNG facility
Manatee County, Nopetro Energy, Johnson Controls, and Mead & Hunt held a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 9 in Bradenton for a $50 million renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility.
The facility – the first of its kind on Florida’s west coast – will transform methane gas captured from the Lena Road Landfill into RNG, a cleaner, lower-carbon alternative fuel. Miami-based Nopetro Energy, a producer, distributor, and operator of natural gas solutions across North America, will develop and operate the facility. After purification, RNG, a biogas and the lowest-carbon alternative fuel, will enter existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure and be distributed to customers.
Once operational, the facility is expected to eliminate emissions equivalent to 5.3 million gallons of gasoline annually, generate enough renewable energy to power more than 4,500 homes each year, and deliver a carbon reduction impact comparable to the carbon captured by approximately 22,000 acres of forest.
Annual Bradenton EDC Update
The Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation will host its 2026 Annual Update Luncheon on Nov. 19 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center Grand Ballroom, 1 Haben Blvd., in Palmetto.
In addition to the EDC’s 2026 annual report and a discussion about what’s next for Manatee County presented by Shirar O’Connor, president and CEO, the EDC will present the 2026 Rick Fawley Economic Development Award of Distinction to Jacki Dezelski, president and CEO of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
The inaugural Impact Award will also be presented as well as the introduction of the EDC’s new chairman of the board of directors.
Register at events.humanitix.com/2026-annual-update-luncheon. For information, including sponsorships, contact EllenK@BradentonAreaEDC.com or call 941-803-9034.
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Caldwell Trust Company recently expanded its fiduciary leadership team, promoting Venice native Donna Scaglione to Vice President and Trust Officer.
Scaglione, who most recently served as Assistant Vice President, began her financial career shortly after graduating from Venice High School. Following a decade in traditional financial services, she spent 13 years embedded as a paralegal with local legal firms specializing in estate planning, probate, corporate, and real estate law.
Caldwell Trust also elevated Trust Associates J. Mason Askew, Molly Setsma, and Jackson Shaw to Trust Officer. The also hired 20-year wealth management veteran Lisa Junkin as Vice President and Trust Officer.
CareerEdge earns recognition
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce was recently named a finalist in the 2026 Citizens Awards, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation program that honors businesses for leadership. The Chamber's CareerEdge workforce initiative was nominated for Best Education and Workforce Program.
CareerEdge helps to build a stronger regional workforce by connecting employer needs with training and career opportunities. Since 2010, CareerEdge has invested more than $20 million in workforce development, trained more than 8,500 workers, and helped generate nearly $45 million in annual earnings gains for participants.
“Being named a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Citizens Awards is an incredible honor and a reflection of the collaborative spirit that makes CareerEdge possible,” said Dan Sidler, vice president of CareerEdge & Economic Development for the Chamber. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has invested their time, resources and expertise in this work.”
CareerEdge funders and investors include Bank of America, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Dwyer Workforce Development, Eppard Family Foundation, Florida Blue, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Regions Bank, Sarasota County Government, Suncoast Credit Union, and Truist Foundation. The winners of the 2026 Citizens Awards will be announced during the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Business Solves Conference on Oct. 27-28.
Around and about
· Javier Chero, founder of Tru Closet Pros, was recently president of the board of directors for Stillpoint Mission, a nonprofit that provides basic necessities to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Chero has volunteered with Stillpoint Mission for the past 12 years and has also served as a senior chaplain at Manatee County Jail and Manatee Memorial Hospital.
· Dr. Jonathan McCormick, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in orthopedic sports medicine, complex knee reconstruction, shoulder replacement, and hip preservation, recently joined Coastal Orthopedics in Bradenton. McCormick has served as a team physician for elite collegiate and professional sports teams, including the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, and NFL Combine.
· Forza Wealth Management founder and principal Michael E. DeMassa has been recognized as a 2026 Five Star Wealth Manager by Five Star Professional – the 10th consecutive year that DeMassa has received the recognition.
· Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County recently appointed Paul Zulauf, CPA, who has served as CFO for two large privately held businesses, to its board of directors as treasurer.
· Blase Martini Bar's "Good Darts, Great Cause" fundraiser/tourney on Oct. 25 from 1-5 p.m. (5263 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key) will support Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation's Breast Health Grant Program that provides low income women with diagnostic screenings.
Compiled from news releases
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Memorial CEO to lead statewide heath care alliance
