Sarasota jewelry artist selected for New York Fashion Week
Sarasota jewelry artist and master goldsmith Todd Alan, founder of Todd Alan Studios, has been selected to showcase his designs at New York Fashion Week in September.
Known for creating intricately braided wedding rings, designer jewelry, and artistic pieces by hand, Alan has spent more than 40 years at the jeweler’s bench. For New York Fashion Week, Todd Alan Studios will create more than 30 jewelry pieces for runway presentations, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and statement jewelry.
“This is an incredible opportunity not only for our studio, but for Sarasota,” Alan said. “I’ve spent more than four decades making jewelry by hand because I believe people can feel the difference when something is created with care. To have that work recognized on one of fashion’s biggest stages is something I never imagined when I first sat down at a jeweler’s bench.”
For more information, visit HandWovenBands.com and ToddAlan.com.
Women in Building ‘Legacy’ award
Odette Embury of Seacoast Bank was recently honored with the Suzanne Graham Legacy Award at the CDBIA Professional Women in Building Council’s fifth annual Bella Donnas Awards celebrating women who are shaping the future of the regional building industry.
The Legacy Award recognizes an outstanding woman in construction who has dedicated time, talents, and resources to breaking barriers and advancing opportunities for women in the building industry.
For more than 40 years, Embury has been a leader within the Charlotte-DeSoto Building Industry Association, serving on committees, leading initiatives, and mentoring others. In 2025, she served as the Florida Home Builders Association Associate Vice Chair, the highest leadership position within the state association for an associate member.
For more about Bella Donnas award winners and the CDBIA Professional Women in Building Council, visit cdbia.com.
Michael Saunders property manager
Sumeru “Sam” Patel recently joined Michael Saunders & Company as commercial property manager, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in hospitality, resort operations, and property asset management.
Most recently, Patel served nearly a decade as director of operations and procurement for a prominent regional hospitality organization. “[Patel’s] experience, breadth of knowledge, and genuine dedication to his craft make him a real pleasure to work alongside, and our owners and tenants are fortunate to have him on the team,” said David Perry, director of MSC Commercial.
Patel will oversee a portfolio of commercial properties, working with property owners, tenants, and vendors to maximize asset performance and enhance operational efficiency.
New Ian Black building engineer
Ian Black Real Estate has hired Robert Annello as building engineer, responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair and preventive maintenance of a large portfolio of office buildings in Sarasota.
Annello brings more than 15 years of experience in commercial property maintenance and facilities management. Prior to Ian Black Real Estate, he served as a building engineer with Sodexo. He also worked with First Realty Management’s Boston condominium division.
“We’re excited to welcome Rob to our property management team,” said Marci Marsh, partner at Ian Black Real Estate. “His extensive technical expertise and commitment to operational excellence will help us continue delivering exceptional service to the property owners and tenants who rely on our team every day.”
Community Foundation positions
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently welcomed Margaret Karakashian as the organization’s new general counsel, Michelle Maslowski as director of philanthropy, and Helena Von Otto as philanthropic adviser.
Karakashian has a background in corporate and tax law. Before joining the foundation, she worked in private practice, advising clients on a range of business and tax matters.
Maslowski has nearly two decades of experience as a senior development leader in the nonprofit sector and most recently served as a consultant with Carter, advising nonprofit organizations on fundraising strategy, campaign planning, major gifts and donor engagement.
Von Otto, who most recently worked as an independent nonprofit consultant, brings decades of experience in sales, marketing, financial services and the nonprofit sector to her role.
Around and about
· The Library Foundation for Sarasota County recently named Alison Gardner and Leslie Pemberton to its board. Gardner, who has a 40-year history in the financial services industry, serves as Portfolio Manager of Sage Advisors LLC. Pemberton is retired from the field of quality and operating excellence, including positions at Bank of America, Sonoco, and Kennametal.
· The Manatee Community Foundation recently named three new board members: Anthony Baldo, Executive Director and Private Banker with J.P. Morgan Private Bank; Ryan Denton, a Senior Vice President and Alternative Investments Director at Morgan Stanley; and Joe E. Flores, a financial adviser with Edward Jones Investments.
· Dr. Cathy Carr, Market Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety for HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital and HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, was recently honored with the 2026 Vice President of Quality & Patient Safety Award for leadership and commitment to health care quality, patient safety and clinical excellence.
· Emerson Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community coming to Lakewood Ranch, recently promoted Adam Zubowsky to associate executive director, where he will help lead community operations for the 46-acre campus. Most recently, he served as sales director. Also, Kailey Viray was named sales director after serving in that position at an Erickson Senior Living community in Richmond, Va.
· Next-Mark Marketing Communications, a Sarasota-based marketing, public relations, advertising, branding, and digital communications agency, has relocated from Pineapple Avenue and will host an open house on Sept. 10 at the agency’s new office at 2033 Main St., Suite 402.
· Berlin Patten Ebling, a full-service law firm serving the Gulf Coast, recently opened its newest office in Bradenton at 2423 Manatee Ave. W. The office is the firm’s sixth in Florida, including locations in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch.
Compiled from press releases
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota jewelry artist is selected for New York Fashion Week
Reporting by Special to the Herald-Tribune, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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By Special to the Herald-Tribune, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
