New College names Shumaker partner
Ronald A. Christaldi, a New College of Florida alumnus, partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, and longtime Florida civic and business leader, has been named chair of the New College Board of Trustees.
Christaldi, who succeeds Debra Jenks after serving as vice chair, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from New College. He earned both a Juris Doctor and a master’s degree in international affairs from Florida State University.
“New College has been part of my life for decades, and I care deeply about its students, its faculty, its alumni, and its future,” Christaldi said. “New College gave me an extraordinary education and helped shape the way I think, lead, and approach complex challenges. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to this
remarkable institution.”
Over the past several years, New College has undergone significant changes in its leadership, academic direction, and institutional priorities. Christaldi said that the board’s work will remain centered on the students and families New College serves.
“As chair, my focus will be on the future – on academic excellence, student success, responsible stewardship, and ensuring that New College provides an exceptional education that prepares its graduates to think independently, engage thoughtfully with differing perspectives, and lead lives of purpose and consequence,” Christaldi said. “Our responsibility as trustees is to create an environment in which students can thrive, faculty can excel, and the institution can continue to grow in stature and achievement.”
Gulf Coast leadership recognized
Gulf Coast Community Foundation president/CEO Phillip Lanham has been selected to participate in Leadership Florida’s Cornerstone Class 44, joining 55 leaders from across the state.
Several other Gulf Coast team members have also been selected for both regional and national leadership initiatives, including:
· Jess Blagdon, grants and gvaluation officer, was selected for Leadership Sarasota’s 2027 class by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
· Erin Minor, vice president for community leadership, joins the 2026-27 cohort of CFLeads’ Executive Leadership Institute for VPs.
· Elizabeth Welch, director, professional adviser relationships, was named to Leadership Venice’s 2026 class by the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce.
A salute for Lolablue Living
Lolablue Living, a North Port-based bath, beauty and wellness company, was recently honored with the quarterly GEM Award by the North Port Economic Development Division. The award celebrates businesses that have become integral to North Port’s economic and cultural life.
“North Port has given us the opportunity to grow alongside the community, build strong local relationships and stay connected to the place where our business started,” said Jamie Lovern, co-founder and CEO. “Having a city that recognizes and supports its local businesses makes that connection even more meaningful.”
Founded in 2003, Lolablue Living has grown into a brand carried in more than 100 stores. Its products are currently available at 37 Whole Foods Market locations across Florida.
Venice Realtors win awards
Helen Moore, director of the Venice Area Board of Realtors, was recently honored with the Spirit of Advocacy Award at the Florida Realtors annual convention.
Peter West, VABR president-elect, and Don Zenner were honored with Global Ambassador awards for representing the board and promoting participation with other countries in the real estate profession. The board was also awarded the 2026 Global Partnership Award with Florida Realtors and also the Global Outreach Award.
The board became involved in Florida Realtors Global program in 2025 and has since participated in many of the events designed to attract out-of-country buyers to Florida and in particular the Venice area.
Bank breaks ground in Englewood
Crews Bank & Trust recently held a groundbreaking ceremony at 1111 S. McCall Road in Englewood – the site of a former Englewood Bank & Trust branch that was destroyed during Hurricane Ian in 2022.
The new branch will be a single story, 4,620-square foot structure featuring an outside courtyard with a pergola for events and a drive thru. Construction is being led by DMK Engineering of Venice, Cool and Cobb Engineering of Avon Park, and L. Cobb Construction of Wauchula and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2027.
"This is where I started my banking career 22 years ago,” said M.W. McLaren IV, chief banking officer. “Seeing this building rebuilt after Hurricane Ian is a full-circle experience for me and I’m extremely excited about the new facility.”
Until 2023, Crews Bank & Trust operated as four separate banks under the same family ownership: Englewood Bank & Trust, Charlotte State Bank & Trust, Wauchula State Bank, and Crews Bank & Trust.
Around and about
· Nine global real estate advisers recently affiliated with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty's Sarasota area sales locations: Jeffrey Aranjo, Venice; Mary Charland, Venice; Matthew Charland, Venice; Teresa Constantinou, Lakewood Ranch; Doug Duncan, Downtown Sarasota; Ardit Gjonaj, Downtown Sarasota; Claudia Pereira, Venice; Gina Sanborn, Sarasota; and Riley Spangler, Lakewood Ranch.
· Gecko’s Grill & Pub recently hosted a blood drive in conjunction with SunCoast Blood Centers to mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, collecting 234 units of blood products. “We truly value this partnership ... [The event] showed what is possible when a community comes together to help local patients,” said Tanja Malkovich, director of community engagement for Suncoast Blood Centers.
· Brian Stathers, who played a leadership role for general contractor Suffolk's expansion to Sarasota (Mira Mar property), has been promoted to vice president of operations.
Compiled from news releases
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: New College of Florida names Shumaker partner to lead board of trustees
