JACKSONVILLE, FL (April 10, 2025) – At the Board of Directors meeting for the Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc., four new members were elected and will serve a three-year term:
- Carlo Fassi – Regular Voting Member of the Board of Directors,
- Nancy Ruth Barber – Regular Voting Member of the Board of Directors,
- Rachael Sellers – Regular Voting Member of the Board of Directors,
- Paul Sarto – Ex Officio Voting Member of the Board of Directors, representing the Volunteer Ushers of the Florida Theatre.
Carlo Fassi is the Regional Manager for External Affairs and Economic Development for TECO Peoples Gas. He currently covers the Southwest Florida service territory for the natural gas distribution utility. His prior experience includes serving as Deputy Director of Government Affairs for the City of Jacksonville, as an Associate with The Southern Group, as a Public Affairs Assistant in the Office of the State Attorney, and as a Public Affairs Consultant with Kinder Morgan, Inc. As a self-employed political campaign consultant and manager, he also worked on numerous campaigns for public office. He attended the University of North Florida, where he studied Political Science and History. As a student at UNF, he was twice elected student body president and, in that capacity, served on the UNF Board of Trustees. He also chaired the Florida Student Association and represented Florida’s 300,000+ students on the State University System Board of Governors. From 2017 to 2021, he served on the Board of Trustees for the Jacksonville Public Library and served as its chairman for three years.
“The Florida Theatre is more than just a historic landmark – it’s a cultural and economic driver for downtown Jacksonville. One that surpassed all other venues in Northeast Florida & Southeast Georgia in attendance last year. The arts and entertainment industry plays a vital role in enhancing Jacksonville’s quality of life, attracting visitors, and creating a vibrant Downtown where businesses thrive. The Theatre is a prime example of the industry’s significance. It’s the reason TECO Peoples Gas has consistently supported the fine work the Florida Theatre is doing year in and year out. I’m honored to join their Board of Directors and look forward to continuing to support the Florida Theatre’s mission to bring world-class performances to our city,” said Carlo Fassi.
Nancy Ruth Barber is the owner of two Jacksonville businesses. She has been the owner of Breezy Coffee Shop in Jacksonville Beach for more than 13 years, and for 20 years she has also been the owner of Jacksonville Advertising Group. Nancy started her marketing career in television with WJCT Channel 7/Stereo 90 in 1991, working in production, account management, and event planning before moving to commercial TV in 1995 to work for Clear Channel Television as an Account Manager, National Sales Manager, and Local Sales Manager for CBS 47. In 2001, she started her boutique full-service advertising agency, Jacksonville Advertising Group, which she has been managing since. She is a former board member of the Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center and a former board member of the Community Nutcracker. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity to work with the Florida Theatre on their board! The Florida Theatre has been a part of my family‘s life for the 35 years that we’ve lived in Jacksonville, including my daughter‘s ballet recitals, dance performances, piano competitions, and countless concerts. And the fact that it will continue through my grandchildren’s lives means so much,” said Nancy Ruth Barber.
Rachael Sellers is a CPA and the Senior Vice President of Finance of AMPORTS, Inc. AMPORTS provides car manufacturers with a full suite of specialized vehicle processing services at 13 strategically located facilities in New York, Maryland, Florida, Texas, California, and Mexico. AMPORTS processes vehicles to and from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Oceania, and West Africa. Rachael’s career includes a 10-year tenure at PwC, starting as an Assurance Associate in 2011, and rising through four promotions to becoming a Director before leaving to join Availity as the Assistant Corporate Controller in 2021, and then joining AMPORTS in 2022. She is a graduate of the University of North Florida College of Business Administration, receiving her Bachelor of Business Administration and Accounting in 2011 and her Master of Accountancy, Accounting in 2012.
"I am honored to join the Florida Theatre Board. As a native of Jacksonville, I have seen the impact the Florida Theatre has had on the community, and I look forward to working with other board members to continue to preserve the legacy of the Florida Theatre and the impact it has on the Jacksonville community,” said Rachael Sellers.
Paul Sarto is the Owner of Excell Appraisals in Orange Park. An experienced Residential Real Estate Appraiser, he is licensed in Florida, with over 30 years of experience. He has appraised over 9,000 properties and conducted Forensic Review Appraisals for Fannie Mae. He is FHA / VA Approved by H.U.D, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and ERC Certified by the Employee Relocation Council. Before committing full-time to the real estate industry, he was the
747 Flight Crew Training Program Manager for The Boeing Company. He is a World Traveler, Private Pilot, and graduate of Northeastern University with a B.S. in Aviation Sciences and Industrial Engineering.
“The Florida Theatre is special to me,” said Paul Sarto. “I am excited to have the opportunity to be one of the many stewards of this nearly 100-year-old iconic historic venue in Northeast Florida. Beyond being an Usher and representing our team, it is an honor to contribute to the preservation and growth that will allow its legacy to thrive as a cornerstone of the Jacksonville Music and Arts community.”
The Florida Theatre is governed by a Board of Directors drawn from the community's civic leadership, who volunteer to oversee the institution's policies, governance, and finances. There are currently 30 Board Members serving in this capacity.
"Their unique perspectives, extensive expertise, and deep commitment to the arts will help the Florida Theatre continue to be a beacon of culture and entertainment for everyone in the Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia region,” said Numa Saisselin, President of the Florida Theatre.
To see the current roster of the Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. Board of Directors, please click here.
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About the Florida Theatre
There is something for everyone at the Florida Theatre. From pop, jazz, rock, comedy, country, and blues to ballet, the historic Florida Theatre annually offers over 200 cultural and entertainment events for every taste and age. For tickets or to learn more about our educational performances for schools, rentals, membership, or the nonprofit corporation that manages this majestic place, please visit us at www.floridatheatre.com.