Stephanie Jones Steps into Role of Vice President, and David Green Named Emeritus Trustee
The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Sarasota County, Florida) announced today that Ellen Sandor (Sarasota / Chicago) has been elected to the Hermitage Board of Trustees, commencing her term on July 1, 2025. In addition, longtime Hermitage trustee David Green has been recognized with the distinguished honor of Emeritus Trustee. Carole Crosby has been elected to continue as President, with Stephanie Jones newly stepping into the role of Vice President. Steve Adler and Sondra Biller will continue as Hermitage Board Treasurer and Secretary, respectively.
The addition of Ellen Sandor to the Hermitage Board follows a season that has been defined by its resilience in the aftermath of the 2024 hurricanes. Despite ongoing recovery efforts, the Hermitage has successfully presented dozens of live programs and events throughout the region, introduced multiple new and expanded arts and education partnerships, and delivered more commission premieres than ever before.
“We are excited to be welcoming Ellen Sandor to the Hermitage Board, and thrilled for Stephanie Jones to be stepping into the role of Vice President,” says Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. “Our trustees are the Hermitage’s most vibrant champions, and their passion for the mission and future of the organization is truly inspiring. Ellen’s experience, passion, and thoughtful creativity will be invaluable to the organization’s continued growth and success. We are also delighted to have Stephanie Jones stepping into her new role as Vice President, and forever grateful to Carole Crosby for her inspiring and tireless leadership as President.”
“It is truly an honor to welcome Ellen Sandor to our Board, in addition to welcoming Stephanie Jones and David Green into their new roles as Vice President and Emeritus Trustee,” added Board President Carole Crosby. “Even in the face of great challenges this season, Andy’s vision for the Hermitage and the passionate team he has assembled continue to elevate the organization to new heights. I look forward to working with our exceptional Board of Trustees to ensure a bright future for the organization, creating a lasting impact in our community and our culture.”
Splitting her time between Sarasota and Chicago, Ellen Sandor is a new media artist and Founding Director of (art)n, with works in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, International Center of Photography, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and Victoria & Albert Museum. She holds an honorary doctorate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and she is a Life Trustee Emeritus at the Art Institute of Chicago. Sandor’s board service includes Eyebeam, American Friends Musée d’Orsay et de L’Orangerie, Asolo Repertory Theatre, and the Ringling Museum of Art, and as longtime chair of Gene Siskel Film Center, Sandor received the Outstanding Leadership Award. She is also co-founder of the Richard and Ellen Sandor Family Collection.
David Green is the Hermitage’s newest Emeritus Trustee, joining Larry Bold, Tom Dignam, Andy Maass, and Nelda Thompson. This designation was created to recognize long-serving trustees who have gone above and beyond in their service to the organization and who continue to champion its mission. Green has served for nine years on the Hermitage Board, including six years as Vice President. As a member of the Executive Committee and the Governance Committee, Green has worked closely with Andy Sandberg and three recent presidents – Carole Crosby, Robyn Citrin, and Leslie Edwards – in shaping the organization’s strategic plan, in addition to playing a key role in community and government relations.
“David Green’s service to the Hermitage has been – and continues to be – invaluable,” said Sandberg. “His thoughtful intelligence, strategic insight, and deep love of the Hermitage mission have helped the organization to achieve new heights. We are truly grateful to have David in the Hermitage family, and we’re thrilled that he will continue to serve as an Emeritus Trustee.”
The Hermitage’s Board Officers for the 2025-2026 season are Carole Crosby, President; Stephanie Jones, Vice President; Steve Adler, Treasurer; and Sondra Biller, Secretary. The Hermitage Board of Trustees also includes Ellen Berman (Chair of Governance), Christine Boone, Terry Brackett, Maryann Casey, Robyn Citrin (Past President), Marletta Darnall, Leslie Edwards (Past President), Tim Flood, Tina Shao Napoli, Peter Offringa, Liz Richardson, Ellen Sandor*, Edward M. Swan, Jr., Mary Lou Winnick, Doug Wright, and Andy Sandberg, Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO (ex-officio). *Indicates New Trustee
Emeritus Trustees include Larry Bold, Tom Dignam, David Green, Andy Maass, and Nelda Thompson. Honorary Trustees include Charlie Huisking and Flora Major.