Performing arts foundation names chief finance, administration officer

SARASOTA — The Van Wezel Foundation has named Susan McCreary its chief finance and administration officer.

McCreary brings more than 20 years of experience in finance and administration leadership from global companies, according to a press release. 

In her new role, McCreary will be responsible for leading the organization's business operations, including financial planning and analysis, accounting functions, human resources and IT. She will also serve as a strategic partner and adviser to the CEO, board of directors and executive leadership team as the foundation looks to build a new performing arts center on the Bayfront, the release adds. 

Before joining the foundation, McCreary served as CFO of New Century Software (a Mistras Group business), where she led business operations, financial analysis and planning, budgeting and forecasting, and insurance and risk management. McCreary was also controller at Dresser-Rand Enginuity (a Siemens business), where she was responsible for the financial leadership for a strategic business unit generating $35 million in annual revenue and managing $10 million in capital requests for the company's Americas division, the release says.

McCreary has also held positions at Bodycote International. During her 10-year tenure, she provided budgetary control on all capital projects over $5 million for the Canadian materials testing group and financial direction on construction for a new $10 million facility in China.

"Susan McCreary joins the foundation at a pivotal time of expansion as we partner with the city of Sarasota to build the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center," says Van Wezel Foundation CEO Cheryl Mendelson in a statement. "Her breadth of experience and success in building strong teams is an enormous asset as we scale up our operations and strategically plan for growth."

Since 1987, the Van Wezel Foundation has partnered with the City of Sarasota. Each year, the foundation provides grants to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to support arts education throughout the region. In 2018, the City of Sarasota approved a master plan to develop 53 acres on the Bayfront into a park with a new performing arts center. The foundation is leading "The Future is Now Campaign" to help the community realize the master plan.