johnette@realizebradenton.com
As Executive Director, Johnette leads mission impact and partnership development.
SOMETHING I NEVER WANT TO DO AGAIN…
Compete in a lettuce-eating contest.
ON THE WEEKENDS…
I pull weeds in my butterfly garden.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT…
I was on American Funniest Videos.
MY MOST INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT…
Meeting Buckminster Fuller.
FAVORITE PLACE TO HANG OUT DOWNTOWN?
In my new kitchen cooking.WHAT IS YOUR HIDDEN TALENT?
Dressing up in crazy costumes.
accounting@realizebradenton.com
As Support Specialist, Joanna offers her passion for organizing and eagle eye to detail in supporting Realize Bradenton’s staff, events, and daily operations.
I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT…
Organizing and party planning.
AN UNCOMMON FACT ABOUT ME IS…
I love to sing karaoke (I’m not saying I’m good at it).
CHILDHOOD DREAM…
My childhood dream job was to work at a zoo.
FAVORITE HANGOUT…
My favorite place to hang out downtown is the Riverwalk; but I love to eat breakfast at Robin’s, lunch at B’town, and dinner at O’Bricks.
HOMETOWN?
Durham, North Carolina.
catherine@realizebradenton.com
As Community Engagement Coordinator, Catherine ensures that we connect with volunteers, community partners, and stakeholders to create a vibrant and prosperous downtown.
I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT…
Empathy, justice, peace, livable cities, and brightly-painted cars (with big wheels).
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO HANG DOWNTOWN?
Knocking biscuits in the kitchen at the Bradenton Shuffleboard Courts. Glittery beaded courts, twinkly lights overhead, vinyl spinning on the record player, and my custom-painted aqua cue.
MY CHILDHOOD DREAM WAS TO BE…
An architect. I filled notebook after notebook drawing floor plans. Some kids begged their parents for comic books, I begged mine for house plan books.
WHAT IS YOUR HIDDEN TALENT?
Making arepas, a corn patty that is a staple in Venezuela.
HOMETOWN?
A tiny map dot of a farming town named New Riegel, Ohio.
holly@realizebradenton.com
As Events and Creative Services Manager, Holly is responsible for the creative planning of Realize Bradenton events, as well as community building initiatives and special projects that move our mission forward.
I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT…
Building community, creating experiences through events, and of course, food – cooking it, eating it, even growing it in my tiny patio garden.
AN UNCOMMON FACT ABOUT ME IS…
I grew up on a horse ranch.
MY CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB WAS TO BE…
A ballerina. I started taking dance lessons when I was three years old and was obsessed.
FAVORITE PLACE TO HANG OUT DOWNTOWN?
I love Old Main Street – it’s quaint and tucked away from busy Manatee Ave but still happenin’.
HOMETOWN?
Amery, Wisconsin.
karen@realizebradenton.com
As Development Director, Karen assures that we tell the story of how we engage people and promote civic pride to encourage partnerships with individuals, businesses, and cultural partners. These partnerships will allow Realize Bradenton do all of the fun and cool things, like public art, free Music in the Park and ArtSlam.
FAVORITE PLACE TO HANG OUT IN DOWNTOWN…
Bradenton Riverwalk, and it’s only a short walk to Mattison Riverwalk Grille when you get thirsty!
WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM…
To be a figure skater, I loved to skate!
AN UNCOMMON FACT ABOUT ME IS…
I owned and operated a soft serve ice cream truck for 10 years.
HOMETOWN?
Tolland, Connecticut.
