Passionaries: Your Nominations of Those Who Turn Compassion into Action

By Julie Milton | March 2025

Have you ever met someone who is so passionate about an important cause or mission that they go above and beyond to help?  We asked our digital subscribers to share stories of people who they believe create change for the good of others, and we are pleased to share their submissions with our readers.  We hope you will be moved and inspired by these stories and be encouraged to find your passion for the betterment of our community and our fellow man.

Graci McGillicuddy

We received so many nominations for this incredible lady and it is no wonder why.  For decades, Graci has been a champion for children, from her passion for ending the cycle of child abuse to helping to launch a  foster care program that could serve as a model for the nation.

With her financial and leadership support over many decades, the Child Protection Center of Sarasota and DeSoto counties serves as a refuge for abused children that address the prevention, intervention and treatment needed for the children and families it serves. 

Graci is also co-founder of Sarasota’s All Star Children’s Foundation in Sarasota.  She knew that foster care agencies struggle to find homes in an overcrowded system, and a child’s trauma may never heal as they are moved from home to home. Graci’s dream was to create a safe place for children to be loved, nurtured and healed, and she did just that with All Star Children’s Foundation. Through her efforts, along with a team of experts, All Star is creating the gold standard for trauma informed care through innovation, science and compassion, which will have a legacy of hope and opportunity for children in foster care.

Graci was recently honored with the 2024 Mothers of Influence Award by Moms for America, a national movement dedicated to empowering mothers.  Her long-standing child advocacy leadership has earned her an incredible legacy of honors including induction into the 2024 Florida Women’s Hall of Fame, the Governor and First Lady of Florida’s “Florida Hero Award”, the “Spirit of Service Award” by the Florida Senate (its highest civilian award), the Tampa Bay Lightning’s “Community Hero” Award, the Argus Foundation’s “Lifetime Achievement Award”, and many others. 

Graci has impacted the lives of so many children and families by raising awareness, supporting teams to develop science-based action plans for positive outcomes, and by bringing these to fruition. She is a true passionary as cited by the many people who nominated her and her light shines brightly on the many children she fights for every day.

Kelly Caldwell

R.G. “Kelly” Caldwell, Jr. was nominated by several people for his decades-long dedication to enhancing our community and his selfless commitment to numerous charitable causes. 

As President and CEO of Caldwell Trust Company, Kelly has leveraged his leadership, influence, and resources to bring about lasting, positive change in a variety of local and national organizations. His passion for service and community development, combined with his hands-on approach, has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a true champion of our community.

Kelly’s steadfast commitment to making a difference is most evident in his support for organizations such as Suncoast Charities for Children, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast, Agape Flights in Venice, and the  SKY YMCA Hurricanes Swim Team. Over the years, Kelly has generously given his time, resources, and leadership to these organizations, improving the lives of children and families across the Suncoast.

His significant support of Suncoast Charities for Children has been instrumental in providing vital resources to children with special needs, ensuring they have access to essential care and opportunities. Through his service on the board and his financial contributions, Kelly has made a profound impact on the lives of countless children in our community.

In addition, Kelly’s dedication to youth development is reflected in his advocacy for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, where he has helped create safe spaces for local youth to grow, learn, and succeed. His work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast has provided mentorship and guidance to at-risk youth, empowering them to build brighter futures.

Kelly has also been a strong supporter of Agape Flights, a Venice-based Christian nonprofit providing essential air transportation to missionaries and humanitarian workers globally. His involvement has extended the organization’s reach, delivering life-saving resources and assistance to those in need worldwide.

Beyond his local charitable efforts, Kelly has personally demonstrated his passion for service during times of crisis. After the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Milton in North Carolina, Kelly, alongside his son, drove a large trailer loaded with essential goods—food, water, and paper supplies—into disaster-stricken communities. The Caldwell family made a second trip with Kelly’s nephew, ensuring additional aid reached those in desperate need. This hands-on response exemplifies Kelly’s extraordinary dedication to helping others, particularly in times of crisis.

Kelly’s support of the Venice Sharks swim team underscores his belief in the power of sports to build character and instill discipline in young people. His commitment has helped local youth participate in competitive swimming, fostering lasting friendships and invaluable life skills.

Since 1993, Kelly has been dedicated to supporting children with developmental disabilities and their families, particularly those struggling to find resources, education, equipment, and acceptance. Through contributions to Suncoast Charities, The Haven, Loveland, Easterseals, In Stride Therapy (now Easterseals Ranch), and the Florida Center for Early Education, Kelly and Caldwell Trust Company have provided critical support for these families. The founders of Caldwell Trust Company, including many staff members, have been involved with these initiatives from the very beginning, contributing their time and efforts through various boards and committees. These, along with countless other transformational contributions of time, talent, and treasure, are guided by Caldwell Trust Company’s core principle: to take care of families.

Kelly’s decades of dedication to these causes demonstrate his unwavering commitment to strengthening our community. Through his leadership, financial support, and personal actions, he has made a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. Kelly Caldwell’s passion for service shines through in everything he does, driven by a genuine desire to make the world a better place.

J. Barton Lowther

The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) nominated financial advisor Bart Lowther for his volunteerism and support of CAC for more than a decade, progressing through board leadership roles as member, board chair and now endowment investment chair.  

Bart’s financial savvy, his understanding of a strong digital presence, and his ease when talking about CAC, its mission, and programs makes it easy to understand how he contributes so much to CAC. 

Bart has helped guide the organization through a $5 million capital campaign that rehabilitated the iconic Sailor Circus Arena, home of Sailor Circus, the “Greatest Little Show on Earth,” which recently celebrated its 75th Jubilee Anniversary. He helped navigate the circus as it weathered the two-year pandemic, ending with solid financial results. As CAC’s immediate past chair, Bart assisted in the leadership transition when founder Pedro Reis handed over the President & CEO reins to Jennifer Mitchell in November 2024.   

Bart is now guiding the CAC as it formally creates the organization’s first permanent endowment fund primarily from charitable estate gifts of members of the CAC Legacy Society. Throughout, he has provided the circus strong financial support along with his volunteerism. 

He is proud of the circus arts magnet program in partnership with Sarasota High and Booker Middle School, as well as CAC’s arts-integrated education for area school children, creatively using the circus arts to teach physics and math, resulting in better scores on standardized tests and increased engagement and interest in STEM. 

In a recent interview with Sarasota Scene, Lowther said: “I love being able to make a difference and being a part of changing the world for the better. It makes me feel good to donate and volunteer—I think a lot of people would agree that there is something within our brains (or hearts) that rewards us for helping others.”  Spoken like a true passionary.

Alix Morin

Alix Morin started donating to State College of Florida Foundation (SCFF) with her beloved husband, Mark Morin, beginning in 2013.  Mark, who was then serving on the SCFF Board of Directors, passed away in February 2018.  Alix decided to volunteer on the SCFF board beginning in 2019 and she has not looked back.  She has served as VP of the Board of Directors, on many fundraising event committees, and on other SCFF governance committees.   

For SCFF, Alix Morin is a shining example of how passion and dedication can transform lives and communities. Her unwavering commitment to supporting student scholarships and removing barriers to higher education has profoundly impacted the State College of Florida Foundation (SCFF). 

Alix has been a tireless advocate for SCFF’s mission, sharing its purpose and her personal passion with her extensive network. Her influence has inspired many of her friends to become generous donors, directly contributing to SCFF’s capital projects, academic program enhancements, and meaningful scholarship funds. Her ability to engage and inspire others has amplified SCFF’s reach and impact significantly. 

Alix’s role as a board member is exceptional. She brings energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to entertain and collaborate on staff ideas, fostering an environment of creativity and innovation. Each year, she shows her appreciation for SCFF staff with thoughtful notes and gifts, creating a sense of belonging and motivation among the team. 

Her influence extends beyond fundraising; Alix’s involvement on internal foundation committees motivates staff and members alike to strive for ambitious goals. Her “can-do” attitude and proactive approach make her a go-getter and a door-opener, constantly paving the way for new opportunities. 

One of Alix’s most meaningful contributions is her genuine connection with students. At the SCF Foundation Annual Scholarship Luncheon, she dedicates her time to building relationships with scholarship recipients, imparting wisdom, and sharing heartfelt encouragement. Students consistently express how much they value her support and mentorship, creating lasting bonds that further enrich the foundation’s mission. 

Alix Morin embodies the spirit of service, generosity, and impact. Her enthusiasm and dedication to SCFF’s mission are unparalleled, making her an invaluable asset to SCFF.

Nora & John Patterson

For Big Waters Land Trust (formerly Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast), John Patterson and the late Nora Patterson embody what it means to be passionaries.

Nora passed away on February 8, 2024, at the age of 79, but her legacy lives on. Following her passing, John made a major gift to Big Waters’ Land Fund and included Big Waters in his estate plan to receive a percentage of the Patterson estate in memory of Nora’s monumental impact and lasting mark on our community. John’s generous cash and legacy gift is designated for Big Waters’ newly renamed Nora Patterson Land Fund, initially established in 2017 to quicken the pace of conservation when other public and private funding resources were unavailable. Nora served on Big Waters board of trustees from November 2016 through January 2021 and was also on the board when the Land Fund was created. Nora championed the Land Fund and was integral to bringing it to life. 

A Sarasota resident for over fifty years, Nora was an enthusiastic supporter of land conservation and a dedicated public servant. In 2015, she was recognized for her lifetime efforts when the Sarasota County Commission and City Commission took joint action to name the park located at the north bridge to Siesta Key the Nora Patterson Bay Island Park. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support helped conserve thousands of acres during her lifetime, including 8,600 acres during her tenure on the Big Waters board. 

Big Waters Land Trust is deeply grateful to John for his commitment to conservation and for choosing to honor Nora with this transformative gift. Through the Nora Patterson Land Fund her passion for conservation lives on, forever protecting clean and abundant water, public access to open space, and habitat for wildlife across Southwest Florida.

Terri Klauber

The year was 2017 and Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida was just getting started. Despite its success in Southeast and Southwest Florida, the regional chapter of the international wish-granting organization was somewhat of an unknown entity in Sarasota. It had only recently added the community to its territory and hadn’t yet begun to fulfill its mission on the Suncoast.  

Then its leaders met the very passionate Terri Klauber, and she would become a transformative figure in the history of the organization. 

According to Norman Wedderburn, president & CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, “Terri not only embraced our goal to grant a life-changing wish for critically ill children, but she also raised awareness of our organization among philanthropists and put us in front of audiences that continue to support our efforts to this day.”  

Prior to meeting Wedderburn, Terri, along with the team from Michael’s on East, was already hosting “Cooking for Wishes,” a unique fundraiser where guests cook their own four-course meal under the direction of a professional chef. 

Now “Cooking for Wishes” is bigger and better than ever, capable of raising $1 million in a single evening. In the time since the Southern Florida chapter connected with Klauber and her committee members, which included a COVID-impacted virtual event, nearly $3 million has been generated from their efforts, enough to positively and permanently change the trajectory of 375 local children.  

Terri has been the heartbeat of this event for all its 15 years, growing the event from a small gathering to one of the region’s most substantial. She has leveraged her personal and professional relationships to connect a giving community to the mission she adopted as her own years before. In addition to the more than 400 people that annually attend the fundraiser, Terri has inspired a variety of contributions from Suncoast Advisory Board members, sponsors, volunteers, and the Sarasota business community.   

“Terri is passionate, hardworking, and persistent,” said Taylor Marini, regional director for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. “She’s generous, compassionate, and always willing to go the extra mile to support our kids and families.” 

That includes hosting toy drives, give-back nights, and private dinners that raise awareness and engage audiences of importance. Klauber and her husband, Michael, also attend and promote other events for the nonprofit, including the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball.  

But it’s her direct connection to the Make-A-Wish mission that continues to fuel the significant impact Klauber is determined to have. She was personally involved with the granting of a local child’s wish to meet Pope Francis, securing funds and partnerships to make it happen. Klauber helps illustrate why wishes are not just nice things the chapter does for children and families, they’re necessary to the health and well-being of those that receive them at some of the most difficult times in their lives.  

It is for all these reasons that Make-A-Wish Southern Florida believes Terri Klauber is more than deserving to be recognized a true passionary.

Sandi Chapnick

Did you know that epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder that will impact 1 in 26 people during their lifetime? With more than 40 types of seizures, epilepsy is oftentimes misdiagnosed and there is no single treatment nor cure. 

This neurological disorder can strike anyone, anytime and anywhere. It does not discriminate based on age, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Too many myths and misconceptions surround epilepsy which results in social isolation and stigma for the individual and family. In Florida, there are over 600,000 individuals diagnosed with epilepsy.

JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation was founded in 2008 by Sandi and the late Bruce Chapnick as a legacy to their son, Joshua David Chapnick, who died of a head injury sustained from an epileptic seizure. Josh was only 28 years old and the Chapnick’s wanted to ensure that other families had resources available to them to help with transportation and anti-seizure medication. 

We proudly feature Sandi for her tireless work to improve the quality of life for individuals who have epilepsy or other seizure disorders. 

JoshProvides programs include direct client grants to assist with seizure alert devices, seizure alert training of service dogs, medical services and transportation, and an epilepsy support group. 

Sandi is an active member of the JoshProvides Board of Directors, serving as Secretary, and participates in the Assistance Review Committee and fundraising committees. She frequently offers outreach as a speaker on the topic of epilepsy and the impact on the family. 

Sandi’s support of the people who turn to JoshProvides is unwavering. She has turned her grief into a passion that directly helps children and families in our community, and she is the voice, a face, and heart at JoshProvides offering empathy, compassion, and support.

Jim Martin

When it comes to commitment and compassion for strengthening children and families, Jim Martin is a shining example of selfless dedication.  

Children First proudly nominated Jim for his passion for its mission and to celebrate his exceptional contributions to Children First and the broader community

For the past few school years, Jim has been a devoted volunteer in the Purple Crayon classroom at Children First’s main campus in Sarasota. From pushing children on the swing set to engaging in educational activities, Jim has become a trusted figure in the lives of the children he serves.  

Whether helping to serve breakfast or lunch, playing on the playground, or spending quality time in the classroom, Jim’s presence brings joy and encouragement. The children adore him, and he treasures his time with them. 

Jim’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. As a proud member of the Sarasota Yacht Club and an advocate for its charitable arm, SYC Cares, Jim played an instrumental role in helping Children First secure a $75,000 grant—the largest ever awarded in the organization’s annual cycle.  

Thanks to Jim’s advocacy, the playground at Children First’s main campus is being revitalized. The funding allowed for the removal of aging equipment and the installation of new structures, providing a safe, engaging, and enriching environment where children can thrive through active, play-based learning. 

Jim’s efforts exemplify the values at the heart of Children First’s mission, and his impact is deeply felt across the organization. 

As CEO Philip Tavill shares, “Movement plays a major role in every aspect of early learning, which becomes even more critical for children living at risk. Thanks to Jim’s steadfast dedication and his role in securing this vital funding, the children we serve now have a beautiful and engaging space to support their growth and development. We are profoundly grateful for Jim’s extraordinary efforts to enhance the lives of those in our care.” 

Jim Martin is more than a volunteer; he is a true champion of the Children First mission. His unwavering dedication, generosity, and advocacy make him a very deserving of this recognition.

Judy & Fred Fiala

Judy and Fred Fiala are more than leading philanthropists for Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College (SAM)—they’re also two of the Museum’s biggest cheerleaders. Their passion for art and learning is endless. SAM is where they come to find exciting new work by artists making an impact in today’s global art world.

Judy, a space designer, and Fred, an architect, know instinctively the importance of nurturing creativity in all its forms. This is why they have committed lead underwriting for SAM’s next five seasons of constantly rotating solo and group shows, commissions, and artistic projects. 

“This kind of giving is transformational for a museum of our size that is breaking new ground in the contemporary art world,” says SAM Executive Director, Virginia Shearer. “I am incredibly grateful to the Fialas for their generous vote of confidence in our now and next.”

Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks, one of the exhibitions in SAM’s current season, has a particular resonance. Fred is a beloved member of the Sarasota running community. It’s no surprise he’s still winning marathons since he gets plenty of practice keeping up with Judy.

SAM thanks Judy and Fred for all they do to make it possible for SAM to share the work of today’s artists with new audiences in meaningful ways.

Bob Kasperski

Bob Kasperski gives back to Dogs Inc in almost every way possible. He is a volunteer puppy raiser, an on-campus volunteer, and has raises funds for Dogs Inc. 

As further proof of his Dogs Inc passion, Bob and his wife moved to Lakewood Ranch from Fort Myers in 2023 to be closer to Dogs Inc’s campus, where they immediately became active on-campus volunteers.

As a puppy raiser, Bob opens his home and heart to puppies who will grow up to transform lives and provide much-needed hope. Raisers spend up to a year teaching puppies house manners, socialization, basic cues, and smart decision making. Bob and his wife are currently raising their fourth pup, Kylo, for Dogs Inc. Their third pup, Morgan, recently completed his guide dog training and is ready to be matched with his guardian. When there is an outreach event or opportunity to let others in the community learn about puppy raising, Bob is the first person to step up.

On campus, Bob provides crucial support to Dogs Inc Canine Fitness team and certified instructors. In 2024 alone, Bob volunteered on campus for 519 hours—and that doesn’t include his 24/7 role as a puppy raiser. At Canine Fitness, he helps dogs in training stay healthy and mentally stimulated with agility exercises, cardio workouts, swimming in the pool, and enrichment activities. One of his favorite volunteer roles is “Canine Concierge,” where he goes out into the community with instructors on training excursions. While each instructor works one-on-one with a specific dog, Bob feeds, walks, plays with, and takes the other dogs out to do their business. It’s not the most glamorous role, but it makes a huge difference.

These outings are a full circle moment for Bob because he gets to see “why what we do with the puppies as raisers is so important for when they start their formal career training.” 

Finally, Bob has been raising money for Dogs Inc for five years, enabling the organization to transform lives through its extraordinary dogs at no cost to recipients.

Jayne Jones

The Haven is nestled on 32-acres in the heart of Sarasota and offers programs and services for children, teens, and adults with disabilities. The organization excitedly nominated Jayne Jones, affectionately known as the No Sugar Baker (nosugarbaker.com), for her passion toward its mission. 

Jayne embodies the essence of community engagement and advocacy. Her contributions to The Haven extend well beyond financial support; she first joined The Haven two years ago through its Culinary Academy program, where she generously shares her culinary expertise with adults and high school students, fostering creativity and collaboration in the kitchen.

Jayne’s enthusiasm is infectious, and she consistently brings a sense of joy and fun to every event she attends. She is a frequent participant in fundraisers for The Haven, not only attending herself but also rallying her family and friends to join in. 

A standout moment cited by The Haven that truly captures Jayne’s spirit was when she and her husband, Chris, dressed up in inflatables as reindeers at The Haven’s Jingle and Jog event, goofing off with spectators and encouraging runners with their playful energy. Her ability to spread the word about The Haven’s mission is so important to the organization’s standing in the community.

Beyond her involvement with The Haven, Jayne actively supports numerous nonprofits throughout the community, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to making a difference. She is also a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities, tirelessly working to promote inclusive policies and leading memorable vacations designed for those with disabilities.

Jayne’s dedication, enthusiasm, and dynamic presence make her a true passionary. Her impact on The Haven is profound, and we are delighted to highlight Jayne for her volunteer-driven efforts that inspire and uplift those around her.

Kathie Roberts

Kathie Roberts has served on the Board of Directors of Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) of the Suncoast for six years, including as board chair for the past three years.  She brings both business acumen and deep, heartfelt support for the mission of JFCS. 

Kathie’s board service has been described as “unwavering, visionary leadership framed with caring, kindness and gratitude.”  She was recently described by a fellow JFCS Board member as “the most consequential Board Chair in JFCS history.  Her outstanding leadership guided us through a very dangerous downward financial and reputational spiral and provided the necessary leadership to get us on a path for success.  She refused to compromise in managing our search for a new CEO [resulting in the hire of Dr. Helene Lotman in January 2023] and she has been instrumental in building a very talented board.”  

Incoming Board Chair Stacie Herrera says of Kathie that she “…has held herself and this organization to a very high standard, setting the bar for excellence as we turned the organization around…. Her warmhearted, compassionate spirit has radiated through this board and out into the community.” 

Kathie’s time at JFCS is part of a long history of community service.  Kathie and her husband moved to Sarasota in 2003 after her retirement as a Human Resources executive for Federated Department Stores.  She immediately looked for ways to make an impact in her new hometown and became a Volunteer Consultant with the Executive Service Corps of Manasota, helping local nonprofits with various HR issues.  She then volunteered with the Nonprofit Resource Center at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to help nonprofits build capacity.  Agencies she worked with include the Girl Scouts, Forty Carrots, and Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC). 

Kathie loved this work because it allowed her to give back while learning a great deal about the community.  One of those learnings was that local nonprofits needed more local data for compensation and benefit decisions.  Kathie partnered with CFSC to create their very first nonprofit salary and benefit survey and was involved in several more versions.  She was then served on the CFSC Board of Directors for nine years – two as Board Chair – and was involved with the national search for their new CEO, Roxie Jerde, in 2010-2011. 

Kathie also helped develop and facilitate a “CEO Assimilation Day” for Roxie where she could meet staff, develop relationships and learn programs quickly.  It was such a success that she helped do the same process for Jennifer Rominiecki at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and several other CEOs. 

Kathie was asked to join the JFCS Board by former CEO, Heidi Brown, in 2018.  Kathie visited several JFCS programs, including Camp Mariposa, a year-long camp for youth who are impacted by a household member’s substance abuse.  Campers engage in various activities to learn about addiction prevention, healthy relationships and building self-esteem.  Kathie was so moved by the joy and resiliency of the youth at Camp Mariposa and states that “any one of them could have been one of my grandkids, and I thought how grateful I would be for them to have this system of support if they needed it.”  Kathie has also been involved in JFCS’ annual Veteran Stand Down, an all-day event for veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability, to connect them with needed services such as housing, health and dental care, clothing, food, and employment.  

Kathie’s spirit and passion for the important work being done by JFCS in the community is very special and we are proud to recognize her impact at JFCS.

Andrea Capek

A co-worker Michael Jackson wrote to nominate Andrea who is constantly donating her time for many causes including leading some charity functions. She volunteers for SPARCC, Mothers Helping Mothers, Child Protection Center, and for Children First for its Toy Drive. She is also a Sarasota Police Foundation board member.  She’s also been a hurricane hero, organizing donation drop-offs and personally delivering meals to the displaced, Michael says Andrea is very humble and wants no recognition, but he sees how hard she works to help others and considers Andrea a person of passion and purpose.

Dr. Herbert Silverstein

Dr. Herbert Silverstein is passionate about his work as an otologist/neurotologist, a world-renowned and recognized surgeon, and he is determined to find the best treatments for all his patients.  Throughout his career, he has researched and invented cutting-edge procedures such as minimally invasive surgery for hyperacusis, and the Silverstein Microwick, among many others. 

He started the Ear Research Foundation in 1979 to expand research, education, and community care for hearing loss, balance disorders, and issues like hyperacusis, and tinnitus. 

His current focus is the Children’s Hearing Programs part of the Foundation.  Dr. Silverstein started a Children’s Hearing Clinic in May 2023 to ensure all children who fail their hearing screenings in school receive follow-up care, at no cost. It is this passion to help children with hearing loss that Dr. Silverstein was nominated as a passionary.

Bruce Kurtz

Bruce E. Kurtz, Ph.D., is a cherished member of the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium (Mote) family. He is a Mote volunteer and a generous donor, supporting vital research to protect and conserve our marine environment.

Trained as a chemical engineer, he spent 30 years at what is now Honeywell where he conducted research and developed technology to support the engineered materials, aerospace, and automotive sectors. He spent another decade at Unilever where he was responsible for the scale-up and small-scale manufacturing of new products, retiring as chief technology officer for electronic materials. He is named on nearly 40 patents.

Bruce has translated his love of science and engineering into a passion for the mission of Mote. A member since 2008, a volunteer since 2018, and a philanthropic partner since 2020, Bruce’s contributions to Mote are invaluable. He has provided more than 1,000 hours of service to Mote as a docent in Mote Aquarium where he can share both his enthusiasm and his expertise. In addition to his impressive scientific background, “Bruce is one of the most personable, affable folks you’ll talk to,” says Mote’s volunteer coordinator, “and thoroughly enjoys engaging with our visitors to talk about our research efforts.”

As a philanthropic partner, Bruce has generously supported various aspects of red tide research and is assisting with disaster relief by helping to replace vital equipment and destroyed in hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Of his relationship to Mote, Bruce says, “my connection to Mote lets me continue my lifelong love affair with science.” The community is richer – and smarter – thanks to Bruce’s commitment to excellence and philanthropy in the greater Sarasota region.