Board Members
Clolita Vitale
Board Chair
Lakewood Ranch resident Vitale earned a degree in Theater and Dance, performed professionally, and taught dance before she began a career as a buyer at the University of Maryland at Baltimore campus (UMBC) and rose through the ranks to become the Assistant Vice President for Administration. Vitale went on to receive a Law Degree from University of Maryland School of Law and added University Counsel to her previous title, representing the University in legal contractual matters at all levels of state government. She became Senior Counsel for Constellation Energy Corporation (Constellation) which later merged with Exelon Corporation, a Fortune 50 corporation, where she became Assistant General Counsel specializing in contracts and intellectual property. Vitale volunteers for causes supporting women and girls.
Tom Tryon
Vice Chair
Tom Tryon is the former opinion editor and public engagement leader for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, where Tom spent 39 years. Born and raised in Manatee County, Tryon is a member of Christ Episcopal Church and also serves on the board of Second Heart Homes. His past leadership includes serving as chairman of Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence and Youth Leadership Sarasota County.
Laura Spencer
Secretary/Treasurer
Laura was the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for 10 years. This key role was responsible for the Foundation’s financial reporting, risk management functions, budget, technology roadmap, and investment oversight. She began her career with Deloitte, Haskins & Sells in Tampa, followed by nine years at Kerkering, Barberio & Co. CPA’s before joining Tervis Tumbler Company in 1997 where she held several key leadership roles during a significant period of growth in the organization. Laura is a Certified Public Accountant and has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Accounting with High Honors from the University of Florida.
Ilene Denton
Board Member
Ilene Denton, a Sarasota resident since 1972, is retired senior editor at Sarasota Magazine. Previously, she served as Deputy Director/Marketing and Development at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and then Marketing and Visitor Services Director at Selby Gardens. She is vice president of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County, currently chairing its community advocacy team. She was on the Hermitage Artist Retreat board for nine years, two of them as president, and served four years on Sarasota County’s Tourist Development Council arts grant panel. She and her husband, David, a retired estate planning attorney, are active volunteers with All Faiths Food Bank.
Keith DuBose
Board Member
Keith DuBose is a shareholder at Eastmoore Crauwels & DuBose in Sarasota. After receiving his degree from Duke, Keith attended the University of Florida College of Law. Keith provides mentorship support to local students and serves on nonprofit boards that focus on community, access to education and the quality of life in Sarasota.
Susan (Sue) Hecker
Board Member
Susan Hecker recently retired from a career practicing law at Williams Parker. She focused on helping families develop personalized, tax-efficient estate plans using current estate planning methodologies. She also handled estate administrations. She had considerable experience in preparing 706 estate tax returns, administering trusts and estates consisting of closely held businesses, and implementing complex post-mortem planning techniques. Sue had extensive experience establishing and working with private family foundations. She joined the firm in 1993 immediately after receiving her LL.M. in taxation from the University of Florida.
Susan Hines
Board Member
Susan Hines, JD brings more than 30 years of trust experience to her clients at Hancock Whitney. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management, magna cum laude, and Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida. Susan is an honors graduate of the ABA’s National Graduate Trust School at Northwestern University. She is a licensed attorney in Florida, a Florida Bar member, a past director of the Sarasota County Bar Association, a Leadership Sarasota Graduate and a past chair of the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council.