New board president elected to lead music program

SARASOTA — As of July 1, Timothy Gruters was elected the new president of the Perlman Music Program Suncoast Inc. board. 

He replaces Fran Lambert, the former board president. Gruters joined the board in 2018, serving two years as treasurer. He is a fourth generation Sarasotan, according to a press release. 

Gruters, a partner with the CPA firm Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC, says in the release he is “excited to lead Perlman Suncoast into a new season of live classical music performances and education outreach programs. 

“We are a hidden gem on the Suncoast," Gruters continues. "Nothing is more unique or inspiring than discovering the talents of students and alumni of The Perlman Music Program and being able to share those talents with our schools and with our community.” 

Elected officers for fiscal year 2022 are: 

• Gruters, president.
• Lambert, immediate past president.
• Jack Braverman, VP, administration. 
• Theodore Gast, VP, development.
• Sandra Justice, VP, education. 
• Andrew Grossman, treasurer. 
• Cheryl Gordon, secretary/governance chair.

The board also announced the addition of five new directors:

• Wellington Davenport – owner, Wellington Davenport Inc.
• Suzanne Ellin –VP, trust administration officer, Canandaigua National Trust Company of Florida
• Laurie Page – wealth advisor, LPL Financial
• Judith Schwartzbaum - senior partner, The Schwartzbaum Urfer Group
• Seymour Ziegelman, M.D – Retired, OB/GYN

The new directors join current directors Edie Chaifetz, Carla Hunter, and Michael Ritter. The directors will serve a three-year term. 

The Perlman Music Program Suncoast cultivates audiences of all ages through classical music performances and education outreach programs. The program has $694,823 in assets.