2019-20 LEADERSHIP UPDATE: Robinson Begins Term as President, Sittema Moves to Chairman
As Florida Citrus Sports kicked off its 2019-20 season on April 1, Ken Robinson, President and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities, officially took over as the organization’s 43rd president, while outgoing president Tom Sittema of Riverbridge Capital began his one-year term as chairman.
Robinson will lead the day-to-day activities of the organization’s board of directors. In his role with Dr. Phillips Charities, Robinson oversees the real estate operations involving more than 50 properties, an extensive disciplined investment portfolio and one of Central Florida’s largest grant-making operations with total grant contributions of nearly $200 million. The Florida State alum maintains a strong role within the community, also serving on the Committee of 100 of Orange County, Inc., YMCA Metro Board and Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts among other organizations.
As chairman, Sittema will continue his role on the board’s executive committee and also oversee Florida Citrus Sports’ team selection committee. The Dordt College and Indiana University graduate served on the organization’s associate board and elected board before joining the executive committee in 2013. He previously had a 27-year banking career with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Bank of America and is also a co-founder of LIFT Orlando, where he serves as board chair.
Pete Schaefer has completed his term as chairman but will remain a part of Florida Citrus Sports’ executive committee for two more years. Paul Mears III of Mears Transportation Group has been named president-elect and will begin his term in April of 2020. Mears previously served as secretary on the executive committee.
Additionally, Scott Cathcart of SunTrust and Sharon Line Clary of AdventHealth have moved from the elected board to join the board’s executive committee as vice presidents.
Several new names were also added to the organization’s elected board of directors:
John Arie, Jr., Fun Spot America
Kirt Bocox, KPMG
Joe Doher, BHHS Results Realty
Tony Jenkins, Florida Blue
Faron Kelley, ESPN Wide World of Sports
Georgia Lorenz, Seminole State College
Falecia Williams, Valencia College