TAMPA - James Strenski, chairman of the board of directors of The Florida Orchestra (TFO) for the 2005/06 season, has announced the officers on the orchestra's board of directors for the 2006-2007 season.
James B. Gillespie, who succeeds James Strenski as the chairman of the board, is the executive director of the St. Petersburg Automobile Dealers Association and the South Pinellas County Auto Dealers LLC. A resident of St. Petersburg, Gillespie has been involved with a variety of community based organizations. He is chairman of the Neighborly Care Network, a Pinellas nonprofit that serves the elderly to assist them to live independently, and he is the treasurer and board member of the Bayfront Health Foundation. He is also an active member of the Pinellas County Board of Adjustment, Pinellas School Board Choice Task Force, St. Petersburg Suncoasters and St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
Other officers appointed to the orchestra board include Tampa resident, long-time arts supporter and recent board treasurer, Morton N. Richter, as the vice chair/chair elect. St. Petersburg resident, Dr. Susan Betzer continues as the secretary-treasurer, and President of Raymond James Trust Company, David Ness, will serve as treasurer.