Asolo Rep Announces The Induction Of Two New Members To Its Board Of Directors

Asolo Repertory Theatre proudly announces the induction of two new members to its Board of Directors: Garrett Heard, BMO Private Bank Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor; and William S. Villafranco, Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Trustee and CEO of Villafranco Wealth Management.

BMO Private Bank's support for Asolo Rep has spanned three decades, and has benefited the theatre's work on the stage as well as education programs in the community. BMO leaders have served on Asolo Rep's Board of Directors for more than five years, and Asolo Rep is proud to welcome Garrett Heard and his unique talents and experience. Mr. Heard joined BMO Private Bank in 2007 and has more than 35 years of experience in the wealth management and financial services industries.

"Theatre has the power to inspire audiences while examining the most important elements facing our society today," said Garrett Heard, Director, BMO Private Bank. "BMO Harris Bank has proudly served on the board of directors for Asolo Rep since 2012 and I'm honored to be the newest member to help continue moving their mission forward. Asolo Rep is a great example of the artistic and cultural vibrancy that benefits the greater Sarasota community."

A keen businesswoman with a generous heart, Virginia B. Toulmin was one of Asolo Rep's greatest friends and benefactors throughout her dynamic life in Sarasota. Her legacy of support continues through the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation under the leadership of Trustee, William S. Villafranco. The Foundation's Trustees, through their focus on transformative giving initiatives, have fueled Asolo Rep's artistic growth while building its capacity to serve and expand its audience. In addition to providing a major annual grant for general operating support, the Toulmin Foundation has provided special grants such as: implementing the Tessitura database and ticketing system, commissioning a new work from playwright Sarah Gancher, and supporting the June 2018 world premiere of Jungle Book and related educational and community programs. Mr. Villafranco is also the founder and CEO of Villafranco Wealth Management, a boutique wealth management firm with offices in New York City and Naples, Florida. Bill has more than 25 years of experience in finance and has held positions at Chase Manhattan Bank, Bessemer Trust Company, Credit Suisse and Alpha Investment Management, Inc. before founding his own firm.

"I am deeply honored to have been elected to the Board of the Asolo Repertory Theatre," said William Villafranco. "Virginia Toulmin was a passionate supporter of Asolo Rep for good reason-many good reasons. Their commitment to artistic excellence and creative expression, season after season of indelible performances, and their wide-ranging community outreach and educational programs are precious gifts to be cherished. I look forward to honoring her legacy by sharing this inspiring vision well into the future."

About Asolo Repertory Theatre

Now in its 59th season, Asolo Repertory Theatre is recognized as one of the premier professional theatres in America and one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. One of the few select theatres in the nation that performs in true rotating repertory, Asolo Rep's highly skilled acting company and extensive craftsmanship bring to life this unique performance method that gives audiences the opportunity to see multiple productions in the span of a few days. Asolo Rep presents up to 10 productions each season including contemporary and classic works and provocative musical theatre experiences. A theatre district in and of itself, Asolo Rep is committed to expanding its reach into the community, furthering its collaboration with the best theatre artists working in the industry today and cultivating new artists through its affiliation with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele, Asolo Rep's ambitious theatrical offerings and ground-breaking education and community programming engage audiences and ensure its lasting legacy for future generations.

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