Sarasota park, nationally known rowing facility names COO

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.

"Rodriguez stewarded the park through challenges including two named hurricanes and a global pandemic," the release states. "He also attracted and hosted major championships, grew programming and launched community events such as Fireworks on the Lake and Trick or Treat on the Lake."

Michael Taaffe, chair of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy's Board of Trustees, says in the release, "We are grateful to Stephen for his contributions and leadership. As a new chapter for the park is set to begin, we will continue to build on the success of recent years including attracting major international sporting events to the region and building the new multi-sport indoor complex. We welcome Bruce and are confident he has the skills and experience to expertly lead the park’s future.”

Patneaude was hired by the conservancy in August 2022 as vice president of operations. He had been IMG's vice president of operations for the previous 12 years. Then Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy was created to manage Nathan Benderson Park for Sarasota County.