Nonprofit names new CEO

SARASOTA — Florida Sports Foundation executive Stephen Rodriguez has been named president and CEO of the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, the nonprofit that manages Nathan Benderson Park in north Sarasota.

Rodriguez, who will take over in August, has more than 25 years event marketing and management experience, along with 13 years experience in the sports industry. He will oversee all aspects of the park's operations and management, according to a release. Rodriguez replaces Rosedale's Bob Sullivan, who announced in May he was resigning after 10 months in the role.

“Stephen's expertise in sports promotion combined with his background marketing the state of Florida as a premier sports destination meshes impeccably with SANCA's mission,” SANCA Board Chairman Bill Robinson says in the release.

Rodriguez has spent the past 18 years at the Florida Sports Foundation, and has been a senior vice president there since 2010. He has been the director of the Sunshine State Games and the Florida State Games. “I look forward to working with the SANCA staff and board, as well as the Sarasota County Government, in taking Nathan Benderson Park to the world stage," Rodriguez says in the release.

The 2017 World Rowing Championships will be held at Nathan Benderson Park from Sept. 24-Oct. 1.