Vero Beach Museum of Art Prepares for Growth with New Board Chair, Staff Promotions
- Vero Minute
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
The Vero Beach Museum of Art has elected Richard D. Segal as its new Board Chair, marking a leadership transition as the institution approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026.
Segal, founder and former CEO of finance and real estate firm Seavest Inc., brings extensive nonprofit governance experience to the role. He previously served as a trustee and treasurer at the Whitney Museum of Art and remains a Life Trustee of New York Presbyterian Hospital.
The museum also welcomed two new trustees: Dennis Ferro, retired president and CEO of Evergreen Investments, and Nancy A. Kingsbury, a community volunteer and education advocate.
The leadership changes extend beyond the board, with two key staff promotions: Suzanne Seldes has been promoted to Deputy Director after joining as Director of Marketing and Communications in April 2024, and Sara Klein has been named Director of Education and Visitor Experience after seven years with the museum.
"These leadership positions are essential as we prepare for significant growth at the Museum," said Executive Director and CEO Brady Roberts. "As the Vero Beach Museum of Art enters its 40th year, we do so with a bold vision for the future."
In 1986, the Center for the Arts opened in Riverside Park thanks to the dedication of community leaders Alma Lee Loy, Eric Plym, Bill Jones, Ellie McCabe, Jane Chapin, and Dan Richardson. Their vision and hard work created a beautiful space for art exhibitions, education, and cultural events, now known as Vero Beach Museum of Art. Just next door, Riverside Theatre—founded in 1973 and now Florida’s largest producing professional theatre—brings outstanding live performances to local audiences. Together, these two landmarks form the cultural heart of Vero Beach.
The planned modernization project will replace the current facility with a modern, two-story structure built above the floodplain. The new building will be constructed alongside the existing facility to maintain operations during construction, then the older building will be demolished and converted into outdoor program space. The expansion will grow the museum from 76,000 to 88,000 square feet, plus 12,000 square feet of outdoor programming areas—creating a 100,000 square foot cultural campus.
"Today, the Vero Beach Museum of Art welcomes over 70,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most visited small museums in the nation," Roberts said. The first floor of the new facility will be free to all visitors.
Segal will lead an executive committee that includes Vice Chair James C. Penrose, Treasurer Michael Hoben, and Secretary Cathy E. Minehan.
