New College Foundation Welcomes Four New Board Members

Sue Jacobson, chair of the New College Foundation’s board of directors, recently announced that the organization has welcomed four new members to its board of directors. Jacobson says that Janene Amick, Beverly Bartner, Susan Burns ’76, and Renee Hamad, “embody the spirit of the community and bring decades of leadership, expertise and energy to the table. We are very fortunate to have them join our team and confident they will provide valuable perspectives as we continue to support the mission and needs of New College.” The New College Foundation is the philanthropic organization supporting New College of Florida.

Janene Amick is the CEO of the Manatee Performing Arts Center. Her experience spans multiple sectors, including arts, marketing, corporate entrepreneurship and nonprofit management. Amick is a member of the Manatee Community Federal Credit Union’s board of directors and a member of the Bradenton Kiwanis, VFW Women’s Auxiliary, AFP and the Bradenton Area’s cultural advisory committee.

Beverly Bartner is an award-winning Broadway producer and a former teacher.  Bartner moved to Sarasota in 2010 and soon became involved in the community.  She serves on the Asolo Rep’s board of directors, has been active with the Friendship Center, and is the co-chair of the “Leading with Care” campaign for the Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Bartner is committed to raising the next generation of theater lovers by providing opportunities for young people to become involved in the arts. 

Susan Burns ‘76 is the editor-in-chief of Sarasota Magazine and has been a journalist for 36 years in the Sarasota-Manatee region. Burns was the founding editor of the former business magazine, 941 CEO, and a Bradenton Herald reporter. She served as a board member for the Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences and was chair of the board of the Florida House Institute. Burns is a New College alum.

Renee Hamad is a committed and influential humanitarian, philanthropist and community volunteer. Hamad serves as vice president of the board of Second Chance Last Opportunity and also serves on the boards of FSU School of Medicine, Sarasota Campus, Sarasota Concert Association, Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, La Musica, and Choral Artists of Sarasota. Hamad is deeply involved with the Daughters for Life project at New College.

The New College Foundation has a dedicated group of board members that serve to help guide and support the New College Foundation and its efforts to fund and support New College of Florida.

Its board of directors include Sue Jacobson, chair; Christine Jennings, first vice chair; Charles Hamilton ’64, second vice chair; George Augustin, treasurer; Sharon Ramey ’65, secretary; and Janene Amick, Beverly Bartner, John W. Bean, Francine Blum, Raymonda Burgman ‘91, Susan Burns ’76, Alison Gardner, Karin Gustafson,’64, Renee Hamad, Glenn P. Hendrix ’76, Steve Jacobson ’71, Charlene Lenger ’78, George Quarterman, Charles F. Raeburn ’64, John F. “Jack” Schlegel, Felice Schulaner ’78, Henry Smyth ’76, Robert Turffs ’74, Monica Van Buskirk, and Nancy Winship. Richard O. Donegan and Elaine Keating are trustee emeriti.