Staff and Board of Directors
Kara Morgan, CEO
Kara Morgan has been the CEO of Venice MainStreet, Inc. since 2019. With 20+ years of experience in nonprofit management and development, she uses dynamic community connections and high-level strategic oversight to tackle projects varying from capital campaigns to navigating everyday challenges in the nonprofit world.
Kara previously served as Director of Development of Art Center Sarasota and, prior to that, was Deputy Director of Historic Spanish Point for seven years. She currently serves on the board of Venice Theatre and served on the Visit Sarasota County board from 2022 to 2025.
She holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Beloit College– one in Education and Youth Studies, a second in Art History. Her Master of Arts degree is in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University.
Originally from Wisconsin, Kara has lived in Sarasota County since 2007 and became a resident of Venice in 2015. She lives on Venice Island with her husband Dan and son Sean.
Venice MainStreet Staff
The dedicated Venice MainStreet staff works tirelessly to support the vibrant community of historic downtown Venice. Combining expertise in nonprofit management, event planning, marketing, and community engagement, the team fosters partnerships that enhance local commerce, culture and tourism.
2026 Board of Directors
Venice MainStreet Inc is governed by a Board of Directors serving from January 1 through December 31. The president serves a one-year term.
Laurie Sparr
Sarasota Memorial Hospital- Venice Campus
VMS President
Hector Pescio
Made in Italy
VMS Vice President
Annetta Smith
FifthThird Bank
VMS Secretary
Tracy Silver
Venice Wine & Coffee Company
VMS Treasurer
Becky Leake
Crews Bank & Trust
VMS Past President
Directors
Andrew Britton
Britton Law Group
Robert Domke
Edward Jones
Kim Farrell
Fox Lea Farm, Inc.
Ronnie Fernandez
Venice Florida Tours
James Haas
Twist Boutique / SunBug
Helen Moore
Michael Saunders & Company
Heather Zabicki
Venice Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing
Debbie Zipes
Venice Estate Sales & Gallery
Government Liaisons
Funding
1. Fundraising: A schedule of yearly events plays an important role in our fundraising efforts.
2. Partnerships: Businesses, nonprofits and community partners support Venice MainStreet Inc through annual partnerships, which range from $35 to $250. Corporate sponsorships range from $1,000 to $10,000.
3. Grants: Venice MainStreet Inc applies for grants to offset the cost of program expenses.
A Legacy of Leadership
Thank you to the following community and business leaders who have served as president of our organization.
Paul Intagliata (1988-1990)
Bob Hebert (1991-1993)
Carol Fritsch (1994-1995)
Sue Vedder (1995-1997)
Jean Trammell (1997-1998)
Chris Hassler (1998-1999)
Laurel O’Connors (1999-2001)
Murray Chase (2001-2002)
Kathy Chrisman (2002-2003)
Judy Johnson Lawrence (2004-2006)
Jean Trammell (2006-2007)
Bill Vanderstein (2007-2008)
Kathy Lehner (2008-2009)
Janis Fawn (2010-2011)
Kathryn Heddings (2012)
Sandy McGowan (2013)
Thomas Trammell (2013-2014)
Tracy Ivey (2015)
Jean Trammell (2016)
Bill Willson (2017)
Rod Nafziger (2018)
Nick Flerlage (2019)
Ronnie Fernandez (2020)
Sandra Di Pentima (2021)
Tracy Silver (2022, 2023)
James Haas (2024)
Becky Leake (2025)