Sarasota park, nationally known rowing facility names COO

Bruce Patneaude replaces Stephen Rodriguez, who guided the park to being one of the world's top rowing facilities.

By Business Observer Staff
| 7:27 p.m. February 8, 2023
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The Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy in north Sarasota is a national draw for high school and college rowing teams.

Manatee-Sarasota

A former IMG Academy executive has been hired by the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy in Sarasota to be its chief operating officer.

Bruce Patneaude will replace Stephen Rodriguez, who has served the nonprofit both as CEO and COO. A Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy press release says Rodriguez is transitioning out of his current role in early March.

Rodriguez was hired in 2017 by the nonprofit, then known as Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates. Shortly after his hiring, Rodriguez guided the park through the 2017 World Rowing Championships and many major events afterward.