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Home ReleasesDeering Estate Foundation welcomes newly elected members to Board of Directors

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Nina Zanella
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Deering Estate Foundation welcomes newly elected members to Board of Directors

Press Release department https://deeringestate.org/contact-us/ 2025-01-29 2025-01-29T13:00:00.000Z 08 00 am Nina Zanella [email protected] 305-235-1668 Deering Estate Foundation welcomes newly elected members to Board of Directors 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 2025. 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 2025. 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 2025-2027 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.  Elizabeth also serves on the Miami Women’s Panhellenic Board and Alpha Xi Delta Foundation Board.  She 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.  According to Elizabeth, “I want to serve on the Board so I can expand my contributions to the Deering Estate.”  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. Vernon owns both 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. 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. According to Vernon, “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.” Sergio Delgado is a Key Account Manager at Republic National Distribution combining cross functional competencies in sales forecasting and analysis.  Sergio 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.” Fernando Salazar owns Platea Miami a restaurant a Peruvian Steakhouse in Pinecrest as both a restauranteur, chef, and business owner.  He has been a part of the annual Deering Seafood Festival and Mistletoe’s and Martinis.  Fernando studied culinary arts at the Le Cordon Bleu where he learned to develop his own unique style and flair.  In addition to cooking, Fernando’s 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.  As Fernando states, “I am excited to contribute to the Deering Estate and help in the areas needed for strategic direction.  My views align with the values and passions of the organization. I am eager to help.” About the Deering Estate <a href="https://deeringestate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deering Estate</a>, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Miami, is a 21st Century house museum, cultural and ecological field station, and a national landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, owned by the State of Florida and managed by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Deering Estate is designated as one of seven Miami-Dade County “Heritage Parks” which have a vital role in our community’s history, environment and in providing recreational and cultural experiences. About the Deering Estate Foundation For those who treasure the Deering Estate, who advocate for its preservation and wish to invest in its future, the <a href="https://deeringestate.org/foundation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deering Estate Foundation</a> provides opportunities for individuals and corporations alike to partake in membership, signature events, and one-of-a-kind experiences, all in service of providing vital funding and support to the Deering Estate. Through these efforts, the foundation fulfills its mission to uphold the legacy of Charles Deering's cherished 1920s-era property, to provide funding for the cultural, educational and recreational experiences it offers, as well as its significant scientific and archaeological endeavors to conserve its diverse flora, fauna and the eight native ecosystems that thrive on its 450 acres, and to ensure its longevity as a prized American heritage site. Established in 1989, The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. is a community-based charitable 501(c) 3 Florida Corporation and the philanthropic partner of the Deering Estate. no 2025 00 a.m. 00 a.m. Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces 1 rel1738169550711548 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Deering Estate Hickman Building 275 NW 2nd Street Miami 33128 Miami-Dade Parks ADA Coordinator [email protected] 305-755-7848 local county miami-dade department department Parks, Recreation and Open SpacesPROS Contact Us /global/recreation/contact-parks.page About Us /global/recreation/about-parks.page /global/publicrecords/search.page Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department We create outstanding recreational, natural and cultural experiences to enrich you and enhance the quality of life for our community for this and future generations. We build memorable experiences and communities through well-designed parks and open spaces that are efficient, accessible, engaging and aesthetically pleasing, guided by our Parks Open Space Master Plan. We offer year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities. Camps are held in the spring and summer during public school breaks. After-school activities are focused on fitness, nutrition and wellness, and developing an appreciation of nature, science and the cultural arts. We also maintain the median strips, road shoulders and causeways for County roadways, busways, Metrorail and Metromover. <ul> <li><a href="/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1540327239557614">Join Our Team</a></li> <li><a href="/global/recreation/rules-regulations.page">Rules & Regulations</a></li> </ul> /resources/images/banners/parks02.jpg Director Christina White Christina White /global/government/biographies/parks-recreation-open-spaces.page Hickman Building - 275 NW 2nd Street [loc1462484205924662] : Miami ^ 33128 loc1462484205924662 305-755-7800 /global/recreation/home.page facebook twitter instagram <a class="twitter-timeline" href="https://twitter.com/MiamiDadeParks" data-widget-id="732212750823370752">Tweets by @MiamiDadeParks</a> <script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script> To request materials in an accessible format, or if you require special accomodations, please contact our ADA Coordinator: Miami-Dade Parks ADA Coordinator [email protected] 305-755-7848 parks-recreation-and-open-spaces org1462997233134731 loc1462484205924662 Hickman Building 275 NW 2nd Street Miami 33128 305-755-7800 /global/recreation/home.page facebook,twitter,instagram https://www.facebook.com/miamidadeparks,https://twitter.com/miamidadeparks,http://instagram.com/miamidadeparks local county miami-dade department department org1462997233134731 Deering Estate /global/publicrecords/search.page Deering Estate - 16701 SW 72 Avenue [loc1666710842949336] : Miami ^ 33157 loc1666710842949336 https://deeringestate.org/contact-us/ facebook twitter instagram deering-estate org166671131766223 loc1666710842949336 Deering Estate 16701 SW 72 Avenue Miami 33157 https://deeringestate.org/contact-us/ facebook,twitter,instagram https://www.facebook.com/deeringestate,https://twitter.com/deeringestate,https://www.instagram.com/deeringestate/

MIAMI-DADE ( January 29, 2025 )–

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 2025.

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 2025-2027 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. Elizabeth also serves on the Miami Women’s Panhellenic Board and Alpha Xi Delta Foundation Board. She 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. According to Elizabeth, “I want to serve on the Board so I can expand my contributions to the Deering Estate.”

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.

Vernon owns both 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. 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.

According to Vernon, “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.”

Sergio Delgado is a Key Account Manager at Republic National Distribution combining cross functional competencies in sales forecasting and analysis. Sergio 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.”

Fernando Salazar owns Platea Miami a restaurant a Peruvian Steakhouse in Pinecrest as both a restauranteur, chef, and business owner. He has been a part of the annual Deering Seafood Festival and Mistletoe’s and Martinis. Fernando studied culinary arts at the Le Cordon Bleu where he learned to develop his own unique style and flair. In addition to cooking, Fernando’s 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. As Fernando states, “I am excited to contribute to the Deering Estate and help in the areas needed for strategic direction. My views align with the values and passions of the organization. I am eager to help.”

About the Deering Estate
Deering Estate, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Miami, is a 21st Century house museum, cultural and ecological field station, and a national landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, owned by the State of Florida and managed by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Deering Estate is designated as one of seven Miami-Dade County “Heritage Parks” which have a vital role in our community’s history, environment and in providing recreational and cultural experiences.

About the Deering Estate Foundation
For those who treasure the Deering Estate, who advocate for its preservation and wish to invest in its future, the Deering Estate Foundation provides opportunities for individuals and corporations alike to partake in membership, signature events, and one-of-a-kind experiences, all in service of providing vital funding and support to the Deering Estate. Through these efforts, the foundation fulfills its mission to uphold the legacy of Charles Deering's cherished 1920s-era property, to provide funding for the cultural, educational and recreational experiences it offers, as well as its significant scientific and archaeological endeavors to conserve its diverse flora, fauna and the eight native ecosystems that thrive on its 450 acres, and to ensure its longevity as a prized American heritage site. Established in 1989, The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. is a community-based charitable 501(c) 3 Florida Corporation and the philanthropic partner of the Deering Estate.