Steering the course: meet the local leaders guiding Nathan Benderson Park's future.
The SANCA Board of Directors helps guide park operations, long-term projects, community partnerships, and stewardship priorities. Their work supports the park's role as both a regional gathering place and an international competition venue.
Governance
Nonprofit oversight, accountability, and strategic direction.
Community Impact
Local leadership across sport, government, business, education, and civic life.
Chairman of the Board
Taaffe is a preeminent trial attorney and director of Shumaker's Broker-Dealer and Data Breach Groups. He has a lifelong involvement with rowing, including service as a founding member and coach of Sarasota Crew.
Secretary
Fava has overseen the medical side of the park since the beginning and leads a successful sports medicine practice. In 2024, she received the Volunteer of the Year Leadership Award.
Chairman Elect
Jordan has more than 30 years of experience as an elite international and intercollegiate rowing coach, including Olympic and national team work with USRowing.
Director
Cutsinger, a Sarasota County commissioner, has been a financial advisor and owner of Waypoint Wealth Management for nearly 30 years. He is an active water sports enthusiast.
Director
De Mello has led complex organizations in healthcare, career and workforce development, higher education, and regional collaboration through the Cross College Alliance.
Director
Jackson brings private banking, retail, marketing, and nonprofit board experience, including service with The Gulf Coast CEO Forum and Girls Inc.
Director
Kosiba's public-sector and civic experience includes executive leadership with the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and local land, water, and trail initiatives.
Director
Riley works in corporate partnerships and external affairs for USF Sarasota-Manatee, connecting university resources with regional stakeholders and students.
Director
Thompson is a Sarasota native with ties to NBP since its earliest rowing days. He is a vice president and shareholder at J.L. Bainbridge and serves several local nonprofits.
Board meeting notices and related documents are available in the public archive.