The team that “sets the stage” for
The Florida Philharmonic
[Select a Board member’s name to see their photo and detailed biography.]
Richard Stoelzel, Music Director
Janet Wilcox, Business Manager
Joseph Trunk, Personnel/Stage Manager
Rachel Cox, Orchestra Librarian
Judy Kaff, Community Engagement
Jim Austin, Photographer
Friends of the Philharmonic is a volunteer affiliate dedicated to supporting The Florida Philharmonic through service, hospitality, and community engagement. Members assist in the lobby, serve as ushers and box-office associates, support fundraising efforts, and help welcome visiting musicians.
Sushila Cherian
Jacquie Engle
Anne Gutsell
Diane Ichihashi
Michael Juergensen
Patty Kessler
Lucy Linet
Kathie McTravish Gould
Jim Pase
Debra Rodriguez
Sharon Scalzone
Ellen Skolnik
Mark Skolnik
Jodee Strohmier
Jenifer Welch
Jessica Cline
Jacquie Engle
Tricia Gunn
Marianne Lilly
Maureen Peters
Jim & Holly Scherzi
Linda Shannon
Mark & Ellen Skolnik
Susan & John Szwed
Beth Wagner
Carl & Nancy Wolaver
Ron Blythe, President
Ron Blythe has had a distinguished career, including senior leadership roles at Stanley-Bostitch and Atlas/Sharon/Philstone, before founding his consulting firm, Ron Blythe & Associates. A certified USGA golf rules expert, Ron has officiated numerous tournaments and served on the USGA Junior Championship Committee and New Hampshire Golf Association Board. He holds a BS in Mathematics from the University of Rhode Island and served in the Army National Guard. Ron and his wife Cindy are avid supporters of the arts, particularly theater, opera, and symphonic music, and are enthusiastic about the future of the Florida Philharmonic.
Nancy A. Johnson, Vice President
Nancy A. Johnson, M.Ed. is CEO of TEAM Punta Gorda, a volunteer-led community development organization with over 500 volunteers. With 35 years of experience in nonprofit management and youth services, she specializes in community collaboration, strategic planning, board development, facilitation, and grant writing. She is the founding Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Network of Youth & Family Services (MANY) and has chaired federal grant review panels for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for 21 years. Nancy has written more than 175 successful grants, securing approximately $36 million in funding for youth, education, and community development initiatives.
Carl Wolaver, Treasurer
Carl Wolaver’s expertise in acoustics spans forty-three years in the field. He solved noise problems for OEM manufacturers of a wide range of products including motor vehicles, medical equipment, and office and computer equipment, as well as architectural acoustics. He has a B.S. degree in engineering from the University of Cincinnati and graduate degree from the University of Florida. Carl authored “Application of Acoustical Materials to OEM Equipment” (Journal of Acoustical Society). He is a member of the Acoustical Society of America; Institute of Noise Control Engineers; Scottish Rite; Dayton Bicycle Club; Criterion Club; 100+ Men; Optimist Club of Dayton; YMCA of Delaware; and A.N.A.’s (Abused, Neglected, Abandoned) Friends (a.k.a. Guardian ad Litem).
Richard Stoelzel, Conductor/Music Director
Richard Stoelzel, Artistic and Music Director of The Florida Philharmonic, has had a distinguished career as both a performer and educator. His global performances as a trumpeter and leadership roles, including at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, highlight his influence on musical ensembles and education. His advocacy for new music and success in mentoring students further solidify his impact on contemporary classical music and brass performance.
Ming Gao, Concertmaster
Ming Gao is the Concertmaster of The Florida Philharmonic and Associate Concertmaster, emeritus of the Naples Philharmonic, with past leadership roles in the Nanjing Experimental Orchestra and Eastman Philharmonia. He has performed with numerous symphony orchestras, including the Youngstown, Harrisburg, and Chautauqua symphonies, and participated in music festivals across the U.S., Germany, and China. Ming also teaches as an adjunct violin professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and has performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the Naples Philharmonic and Jiang Su Provincial Symphony Orchestra.
Kathy Kelle, At-Large Board Member
Kathy Kelle holds a B.S. degree in Education from the State University of New York Oswego. She had an illustrious 23-year career in product development, HR, and Marketing with First National City Bank/Citicorp. She co-developed an electronic cash management system and recruited pilot customers from Fortune 500 companies including Xerox, 3M, and General Foods. Kathy served as HR Manager for the Correspondent Banking Department responsible for three Divisions in New York City, Boston, and St. Louis. As Vice President of Marketing, Kathy created an International Services Training Program for Relationship Managers. After settling in Florida, she trained international sales and operation staff for IMPAC and recruited IMPAC University’s first MBA class.
Mark Skolnik, At-Large Board Member
Tom Kessler, At-Large Board Member
Cheryl Berlon, Ambassador and Founding Board Member
Cheryl Berlon has been deeply involved in numerous non-profit organizations, relief efforts, and political campaigns, beginning with her endowment of the Hands Up Grants fund at the Charlotte Community Foundation in honor of her late husband. This fund helps individuals facing financial hardships due to unforeseen expenses, and Cheryl has continued to bring people together for fundraising and support. Recently, she joined the Board of Directors of The Florida Philharmonic and looks forward to contributing to the region’s musical future.
