Newsmakers (Sara/Mana edition)

Bar Honors Members

By Adam Hughes

Staff Writer

The Sarasota County Bar Association presented its annual awards at the group's Sept. 30 installation dinner at the Bird Key Yacht Club.

The Distinguished Service to the Legal Community by a Citizen Award went to Jack Orkin, who created a curriculum to teach the public about the legal system. The course was sponsored by University of South Florida under the auspices of its Senior Academy.

Durand Adams received the Distinguished Service to the Community Award for his efforts in presenting Brown v. Board of Education, a production commemorating the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision.

Attorney Douglas A. Cherry of Wilson & Jaffer PA received the Distinguished Service to the SCBA by a member. Cherry was honored for his contributions to the bar while serving as chairman of the group's technology task force. Cherry helped improve the organization's Web site, put the membership directory online and informed members about e-filing and new technology. He also served on the Young Lawyer's Division board and is a regular contributor to the bar's newsletter, The Docket.

Also recognized was Sherri L. Johnson of Dent & Associates for her contributions as editor of The Docket for two years.

Chief Judge Robert Bennett installed the group's new officers, including President Mary Alice Jackson; President-elect Arthur S. Hardy; Vice President Kate B. Halvorsen; Secretary Morgan R. Bentley; Treasurer Thomas M. Fitzgibbons; and directors Derek Byrd, Robert M. Fournier and Karen M. Morinelli.

Also installed were the officers and directors of the Young Lawyers Division: President John M. Compton; President-elect Lisa Gonzales Moore; Treasurer Louis M. Ursini III; and Secretary Nancy E. Cason, along with directors Michael P. Infanti, Douglas Cherry, Anthony B. Lewis, Craig J. Schaeffer and Katherine L. Smith.

Newsmakers (Sara/Mana edition)

Advertising/Public Relations

× Grapevine Communications hired Angela Mitchell as copy director. Mitchell previously worked as a senior copywriter at an advertising and public relations firm in Knoxville, Tenn.

× Stephen A. Smith & Associates hired Dhaval Patel as project coordinator. Patel previously held positions in the travel, design and financial industries.

Accountants

× Miles & Thirion hired Nancy Vafeas as a certified financial planner. Vafeas previously worked as vice president and private banking relationship manager with SunTrust Bank.

Health Care

× Take Care of Sarasota Inc. hired Mary Groberg as human resources coordinator. Groberg previously worked for National City in Ohio as a home health aide.

× Take Care of Sarasota Inc. hired Geraldine Hull as clinical supervisor. Hull previously worked for Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Builders Associations

× David Wick was named interim first-vice president of the Home Builders Association of Manatee County. Wick works for Medallion Homes and was a former president of the HBA.

Legal

× Williams, Parker, Harrison, Dietz & Getzen hired attorneys Stacy Borisov and Christa Folkers. Borisov practices in the area of civil litigation, and Folkers practices in the area of real estate law.

Photography

× Claudia Bernard, co-owner of Bernard Photography & Fine Art, was one of four female panelists selected to address and field questions from other women in professional photography at the Florida Professional Photographers convention.

Real Estate

× BMC Realty Inc. hired Angela Pitcher and Natalie O'Connell as Realtors.

× Lynne Koy, Bruce Myer and Roger Pettingell of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Inc. attended the company's three-day "Elite Retreat" conference.

Specialty firm

× Leedom and Associates LLC hired Butch Moore as general manager. Moore previously worked as partner and general manager of a large in