“The mission of the Florida Cultural Group, Inc. is to create, entertain and strengthen an artistic, creative, curious and thriving community by bringing people together.”
Janene M. Amick
CAP®, CFRE
Chief Cheerleader & CEO
Florida Cultural Group, Inc.
Janene M. Amick’s impressive background paints a picture of a dynamic and dedicated leader, deeply committed to both her community and the arts. As the CEO of the Florid Cultural Group and its Manatee Performing Arts Center (MPAC) campus, her entrepreneurial spirit is evident, as she has successfully guided the organization for nearly two decades. Her leadership philosophy, “Lead with your Strengths,” suggests a focus on empowerment, collaboration, and the cultivation of individual and collective talents.
Having joined the company formally known as Manatee Players, Inc. in 2005, Janene’s tenure speaks to both her loyalty to the organization and her strategic vision for its growth. Her cross-sector experience spans the arts, marketing, corporate entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management, which enables her to bring a comprehensive and innovative approach to her role.
Janene is highly recognized in her community, where she has earned numerous accolades for her leadership and volunteerism, including the prestigious Ed Hunzeker Hospitality Leadership Award (2019) and the Lifetime Achievement Award for community volunteer service in 2017. She has also been recognized as one of BIZ (941) 2012’s People to Watch, underscoring her influence and role as a change-maker in the region.
In addition to her work at MPAC, Janene has served in various leadership capacities, including as Past President of the Bradenton Kiwanis Club, a board member of the MCR Health Board of Directors, and an appointed Commissioner of the Bradenton Housing Authority. Her extensive involvement with organizations like the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, the American Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the Bradenton Area Cultural Advisory Committee further reflects her commitment to strengthening the local nonprofit and cultural sectors.
Her educational achievements are equally impressive, with certifications in nonprofit management, philanthropy, and fundraising. Janene’s designation as a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) positions her as an expert in nonprofit management and strategic fundraising. Her Executive Education Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Harvard University further underscores her commitment to continual learning and professional growth.
At the heart of Janene’s work is a passion for nonprofit collaborations and partnerships. She thrives on providing others with opportunities to shine and fostering a sense of community impact through shared experiences and initiatives.
Through her leadership, Janene Amick continues to play a pivotal role in the cultural, philanthropic, and social landscape of Bradenton and beyond. Her focus on community-building and her relentless dedication to the arts have left a lasting impression on the region.
Rick Kerby
Producing Artistic Director
Rick Kerby is a distinguished figure in the performing arts, renowned for his extensive career as both a performer and director. As the Producing Artistic Director of the Manatee Players, he has been instrumental in shaping the theater’s artistic vision for over two decades, earning accolades such as the “Master Director” title from Sarasota Magazine in 2013 and multiple Handy Awards.
Before his tenure in Bradenton, Rick’s performance career spanned over thirty countries and all fifty U.S. states. He graced Broadway stages and national tours, including productions like A Match Made in Heaven and Yankee Doodle Dandy. His international tours featured roles in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Oklahoma!, where he also served as dance captain. Beyond theater, Rick performed aboard major cruise lines such as Royal Viking, Holland America, and Norwegian, and appeared in Las Vegas venues like the Aladdin Hotel and Bally’s Casino.
In his role as Entertainment Director for the USO of Metropolitan New York, Rick organized the Miss USO Contest and led a troupe that performed internationally, with appearances on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and The Miss America Pageant.
Rick’s commitment to education is evident through his teaching positions at institutions like Wagner College and The Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in New York City. He has also held leadership roles at the Florida Theatre Conference, the Florida Association of Community Theaters, and the American Association of Community Theatres, where he is a past president.
As a published author, Rick co-authored “Dream: Tales from the Pikes Peak Writers,” a collection of short stories.
He also authored “Improv with Older Actors,” a guidebook accompanied by a flash card set designed to facilitate improvisational activities for senior performers.
Rick Kerby’s multifaceted career underscores his unwavering dedication to the performing arts, significantly influencing both regional and national theater communities.
Jeff Evans
Comptroller
The Comptroller is responsible for preparing financial statements, processing deposits, and payments, maintaining cash controls, managing the payroll and human resources administration, audit preparation, and maintaining all financial accounts.
The Comptroller is responsible for preparing financial statements, processing deposits, and payments, maintaining cash controls, managing the payroll and human resources administration, audit preparation, and maintaining all financial accounts.
Jeff is retired from a 45-year career in the financial services industry which encompassed senior and executive management roles in banking, brokerage, and mutual fund servicing.
Jeff, his wife, Nitza, and daughter, Alina, moved to Florida from New Jersey in 2005. When Alina first appeared in one of our shows in 2009, Jeff got involved as a tech volunteer. He has since been a Board member and served as our Treasurer and Board Chair. He has been the Comptroller since 2017.
Kristin Ribble
Production Manager
The Production Manager is responsible for coordinating the rehearsal schedules, technical needs and budget of all in-house produced productions. The Production Manager acts as the liaison among the production team and between the production team, including Guest Directors, and the Producing Artistic Director.
Kristin started her current position as the Production Manager for Manatee Players in July of 2008, celebrating her 10 year anniversary this year! She has been involved, either onstage or behind the scenes, in over 130 productions since the age of 12, and she has Stage Managed over 60 productions here at MPAC! Most recently she served as Stage Manager for our productions of HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, THE PRODUCERS, BOYNTON BEACH CLUB, LITTLE SHOP, ASSASSINS, and 42nd STREET! Some of her favorite stage management experiences here include INTO THE WOODS, TARZAN, SHREK, LES MISERABLES, MISS SAIGON, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, MY ONE AND ONLY, EVITA, ANYTHING GOES, WHITE CHRISTMAS, AIDA, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, CRAZY FOR YOU, WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, GYPSY, OKLAHOMA, CHICAGO, DAMN YANKEES, BIG RIVER, ELEPHANT MAN, and PIPPIN. She was also proud to be the stage manager of the AACT award winning productions of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE and SWEENEY TODD. Kristin graduated with a BS in psychology with honors from University of Florida and worked for several years as a social worker and case manager serving at-risk youth in Manatee County. Although Kristin has been involved with many other theatre companies, she considers MPAC to be her second home and is proud to be a part of the staff of such a wonderful company! “Thank you to the many volunteer crew members, hard-working stage managers, and dedicated staff members who make coming to work a treat!”
Ann Colonna
Community Engagement Director
Ann Colonna is a dedicated community leader and the Community Engagement Director for the Florida Cultural Group, a role she began in October 2024. With a passion for fostering connections and giving back, Ann brings extensive experience in community outreach, mentorship, and organizational leadership to the group’s mission.
Originally from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Ann attended High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, where she began developing her professional foundation. After a successful career in the staffing and sales industry, Ann transitioned to the nonprofit sector, seeking to make a more direct and lasting impact on her community.
In addition to her role with the Florida Cultural Group, Ann is deeply involved in local mentorship through Take Stock in Children of Manatee County and Hillsborough County. She currently mentors three students and has successfully guided three others through graduation. Among her mentees, one has joined the U.S. Marine Corps, and two are pursuing their college education. Ann’s commitment to mentorship and her belief in the power of education have made a lasting impact on her students’ lives.
Ann is also a graduate of Leadership Manatee and serves as the President of the Leadership Manatee Alumni Association, where she continues to promote leadership development and community engagement across the region. Her work with Leadership Manatee has solidified her as a key figure in shaping local leaders and fostering collaboration within the community.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Ann enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Her enthusiasm for building relationships and empowering others.
Caren Brady
Resident Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager
Caren Brady’s exemplary 37-year career in the theatre world reflects both her dedication and versatility in the realm of costume design. As the Resident Costume Designer and Costume Shop Manager at Manatee Performing Arts Center, which she joined in 2022, Caren brings a wealth of experience to every production she works on, a skillset honed through her extensive background in costume design, costume rental, and production management.
A native of Ohio, Caren’s educational foundation was built at Bluffton College, where she earned her degree in theatre. Her career began at Stagecraft Theatrical in Cincinnati, where she not only worked in costume design but also expanded her role to owning and renaming the company to Cincinnati Costume Company. This entrepreneurial spirit set the stage for her later work with various production companies across the United States.
Throughout her career, Caren has designed costumes for a wide range of productions, including plays, musicals, ballet, modern dance, television, and film. Among her favorite projects are My Fair Lady, Titanic, Gypsy, Something Rotten, and The Wizard of Oz—each of which demonstrates her ability to translate the artistic vision of a production into vibrant and fitting costume design.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Caren is a proud mother to her son Joe and his wife, Helena, and a dedicated pet parent to her mutt dog, Leon, rounding out a life that blends creativity with family.
Her passion for theatre and costume design continues to inspire those around her, making her a key figure in the artistic communities she serves.
Isabella Onken
Associate
Isabella joined the Florida Cultural Group after graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University, where she dual-majored in Theatre and Communication. In May of 2023, she began an internship with Manatee Performing Arts Center, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that led to her official position on the staff in August 2023. She is thrilled to be in a role where she can apply her education while serving her local community.
As part of the development team, Isabella is a facilitator to the organization and its patrons. She manages donations, sales, and funds with an eye on the future, working closely with staff and volunteers to help sustain the theatre’s growth. While her primary focus is on the longevity of the theatre and ensuring its continued success, Isabella uses her “jack-of-all-trades” enthusiasm to assist wherever possible. Whether it’s helping with day-to-day operations or supporting larger initiatives, she’s always ready to lend a hand.
When Isabella isn’t in the office, she’s likely on stage. She made her debut with us in the highly successful Rocky Horror Show in 2023. Behind the scenes, Isabella plays an active role in supporting productions, whether she’s selling tickets to the latest show or working with Ralph Nurmela to paint sets in the Kiwanis Blackbox Theatre.
An accomplished writer, Isabella has been published multiple times for her poetry and is a dedicated participant in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) every year. She is also a proud member of Our Ladies’ Rosary Makers at the national level and has been crafting rosaries since 2014.
Isabella is incredibly proud of the opportunity to contribute to the artistic and cultural community and is excited to continue her journey of growth and service. Who knows where you’ll see her next, but she’ll be rallying support for Manatee Performing Arts Center every step of the way.