|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Deering Estate Foundation’s executive director Nina Zanella and president John Anzivino welcomed the new Executive Committee and four distinguished newly elected directors to the organization’s board of directors at the foundation’s annual meeting in January.
Fellow Board members, trustees, and staff welcomed the new members to join the board of directors in fulfilling the foundation’s mission to preserve and protect the Deering Estate’s education and research initiatives, cultural arts programming, environmental conservation efforts, and historic preservation.
The newly elected Executive Board includes: John Anzivino, president; Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja, vice president; Walter Evanson, secretary; Matias Perez, treasurer; Carole Wright, past president, and Ann Machado, president of the 100 Ladies of Deering.
The four new members of the 2025-27 board of directors are:
Elizabeth Battaglia served as president of the 100 Ladies of Deering and volunteered at the annual Deering Seafood Festival on the Bay and as a docent at the Deering Estate. She also serves on the Miami Women’s Panhellenic Board and Alpha Xi Delta Foundation Board.
Battaglia has a degree from the University of Virginia in International Relations and retired as the Chief Regulatory Officer/Vice President Strategic Business Development for TOMI Environmental Solutions.
“I want to serve on the board so I can expand my contributions to the Deering Estate,” she said.
Vernon Brooks was born and raised in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. He is a licensed general line insurance agent and graduated from Florida Memorial University with a degree in data processing.
Brooks owns an insurance company and an entertainment company. “With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, I have dedicated my career to bringing the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean to life through unforgettable performances,” Brooks said.
“My passion for music and cultural expression drives me to seek out the most talented and passionate performers who can deliver exceptional experiences for our clients. From Junkanoo Bands to Mocko Jumbie Stilt Dancers, I ensure that every act we provide is top-notch and reflects the true essence of Caribbean culture.
“I strongly believe in volunteering my services to a foundation if a foundation’s goals are to make an impact in our community like Deering Estate,” Brooks added.
Sergio Delgado is a key account manager at Republic National Distribution combining cross functional competencies in sales forecasting and analysis. He graduated from FIU with a BA in Hospitality Administration and Management and will share his expertise in creating brand awareness, analyzing data, and implementing projects to positively impact organizational goals.
“As a resident of Palmetto Bay for 12 years now, a block away from the estate, we have fallen in love with Deering and have made many memories and would love to be a part of something so beautiful,” Delgado said.
Fernando Salazar owns Platea Miami a Peruvian steakhouse in Pinecrest as both a restaurateur, chef and business owner. He has been a part of the annual Deering Seafood Festival and Mistletoe’s and Martinis. Salazar studied culinary arts at the Le Cordon Bleu where he learned to develop his own unique style and flair.
In addition to cooking, his passion is supporting younger chefs to discover their own talents in the same way that he was encouraged. Be it through vegetable picking, hosting talks at public schools, or inviting some of the finest chefs for a chance to share their knowledge, Fernando believes whole-heartedly in staying active, continuously learning, and always having fun.
“I am excited to contribute to the Deering Estate and help in the areas needed for strategic direction,” Salazar said. “My views align with the values and passions of the organization. I am eager to help.”
Deering Estate is located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Palmetto Bay.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.
