As Executive Director, Johnette brings her design thinking to the execution of Realize Bradenton’s cultural master plan and partnership development. Her experience spans multiple sectors—arts, design, education, non-profit, corporate, and municipal. With a deep belief that all is possible when you focus on the best in people, she specializes in working with others on transformations. After 18 years as Vice President at Ringling College of Art and Design, Johnette partnered with The Wellness Community to create a green facility for free cancer care using art, nature, and technology. Johnette recently presented her capacity building ideas at the UN Global Forum for Business as an Agent of World Benefit. She lives happily in a house full of art, surrounded by three males—her husband, father, and a Weimaraner.

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Laura is a fifth generation Floridian. Active in the community, she raised her three children in Bradenton. In addition to her community service, Laura ran a successful small business for more than 20 years and brings years of experience in event planning and media relations to Realize Bradenton. She has worked with numerous non-profits, most recently as Community Relations Specialist with Family Resources. At Realize Bradenton, Laura connects and engages people to downtown’s arts, culture, and heritage, with a strong focus on families and youth. Laura has a strong passion for the arts, traveling, reading, the outdoors and Bradenton. She lives in the River District and can often be seen with her beautiful Golden Retriever Maggie on the Riverwalk or at the Farmers’ Market.

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