Nonprofit CEO resigns after contentious board meeting

SARASOTA — The managing director and CEO of The Players Centre for Performing Arts, Michelle Bianchi, has resigned after 17 years with the nonprofit. 

Bianchi was named CEO in 2008. According to the East County Observer, a sister paper of the Business Observer, she resigned Wednesday night after a contentious board meeting. Bianchi said she was not happy with the direction of the group.  

The theater plans to build a new facility in Lakewood Ranch and move to there from its current downtown Sarasota location. That plan will continue in the wake of Bianchi's resignation. 

"It is with sadness that I accept the resignation of Michelle Bianchi but wish her all the best in her future endeavors," says Board Chair Donna DeFant in a statement. “The Players Centre will move forward with our mission and vision and in the near future be conducting a search to replace our CEO."

DeFant will take over Bianchi's duties until The Players names a replacement.