Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts welcomed seven new directors to its board, accelerating momentum behind its vision of Arts For Every Life.
Rick Cardenas, Joseph Conte, Ryan DeVos, Ted Edwards, Leila Jammal, Tony Jenkins, and Marc McMurrin recently began their two-year term, joining a dedicated team guiding the art center’s vision, impact and future.
“We are entering a new chapter with a board that champions Arts For Every Life®,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “Their energy, insight and love for the arts fuel our vision and mission. Together we’ll ensure the center is a global home for creativity, connection and wellness.”
New Board Members:
- Rick Cardenas is president and CEO of Darden Restaurants which owns and operates more than 2,100 restaurant locations across North America. A 35-year veteran of the company, he began his career as a busser and has held leadership roles in strategy, finance and operations. Cadenas serves on the board of directors for Tractor Supply Company and the board of trustees for the University of Central Florida.
- Joseph Conte is the co-founder of Consulate Health Care, which grew to acquire, build and operate more than 200 post-acute senior care centers across 21 states. This included the development and acquisition of ancillary service companies such as pharmacies, home health care and hospice services. He previously co-founded Tandem Health Care and held senior leadership roles at several national healthcare organizations. Conte served on the UCF Board of Trustees for 10 years having been appointed by both Governor Scott and DeSantis. Conte began his career researching elderly health challenges on Capitol Hill and holds degrees from Florida Atlantic University and American University.
- Ryan DeVos is the managing director of the Orlando Magic, actively contributing to the region’s sports and entertainment community. With experience in NBA global marketing and leadership roles with other DeVos family-owned ventures, he also serves on boards for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, AdventHealth for Children Foundation and Rollins Board of Trustees. His work supports community engagement through sports, business and philanthropic initiatives.
- Ted Edwards is the founder of Law Office of Ted B. Edwards, P.A, with a long record of public service and legal expertise in Central Florida. He served two non-consecutive terms as an Orange County Commissioner, from 1996 to 2004 and again from 2010 to 2016. In addition to his legal practice, he remains active in the community through civic engagement, land use advocacy and support for policies that strengthen local neighborhoods and local business development.
- Leila Jammal is an executive vice president of NV5 Global Inc., which provides professional and technical engineering and consulting services. An avid supporter of the arts, the community and environmental stewardship, Jammal has contributed her time to local planning and sustainability efforts, including Orange County’s Sustainable Operations and Resilience Action Plan. She is a board member of Buffalo’s AKG Gallery and has established the S.E. “Jim” Jammal Lecture Series at UCF in honor of her father, providing scholarships in the College of Engineering. Jammal has two sons- Alejandro Nodarse Jammal who is completing his Doctorate at Harvard in the History of Art and Francisco Nodarse a recent graduate of both Stanford and Oxford universities.
- Tony Jenkins is market president for Florida Blue in Central Florida, where he leads strategic oversight, brand visibility and champions employee engagement. A passionate advocate for the arts, equity and education, he has served as chair for the Orlando Economic Partnership board and as a Board Trustee at Stetson University. He is the current Chair for the Winter Park Institute and serves on the boards of Florida Citrus Sports, United Way of Florida, Grace Medical Home and is on the UCF College of Medicine Dean’s Advisory Council. Under his guidance, Florida Blue has earned recognition for its corporate philanthropy and a best place to work environment.
- Marc McMurrin is president and CEO of the Ginsburg Family Foundation, leading philanthropic initiatives that drive community impact across Central Florida. A longtime nonprofit leader and arts advocate, he spearheaded the effort to present the Emmy Award–winning National Ballet of Ukraine performance at Steinmetz Hall, raising over $1 million for humanitarian relief. McMurrin brings more than 30 years of experience advancing purpose-driven programs that unite philanthropy, the arts and community.
As the arts center welcomes new board members, it also honors the contributions of four outgoing members The Honorable Linda Chapin, Steve Miller, Jim Shapiro and Jonathan Taylor. Dr. Phillips Center extends its gratitude for their many years of service and commitment to making the arts accessible to every corner of our community.
“We deeply appreciate our outgoing board members—especially those who believed in us from day one, when the arts center was only a dream. Your passion and leadership made that dream real,” said Ed Timberlake, Chairman of Dr. Phillips Center Board of Directors. “Over the past 10 years, we’ve grown into a vibrant home for creativity, community and connection—and we’re just getting started.”
The Dr. Phillips Center Board of Directors powers every phase of the art center’s growth, from fundraising and long range planning to program development and community partnerships. Over the next five years, board members will focus on enhancing place, programming, people and productivity. They are committed to expanding the reach, number and diversity of people who attend, perform in, participate and operate the arts center.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a private nonprofit organization in downtown Orlando in Central Florida. The arts center produces, presents and serves as home to regional, national and international works and co-presents Broadway in Orlando. This year, the arts center celebrates its 10th Anniversary, hosting 6,500+ performances and events, welcoming 5.6 million+ guests and contributing over $24.4 million to purpose and community since opening in November 2014. The arts center features renowned venues such as the Walt Disney Theater, Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, and the acclaimed Steinmetz Hall, recognized among Architectural Digest’s 11 most beautiful theaters worldwide. Judson’s Live, the new live music room, enhances the arts center alongside established venues such as the DeVos Family Room, Rooftop Terrace and Seneff Arts Plaza. Additionally, the AdventHealth School of Arts offers year-round performing arts education.
