Team Members
Olivia Murphy a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University and is currently in a masters program studying Journalism and Design at University of South Florida. She runs her own podcast, called Living My Best Disabled Life in addition to her podcast. She also has a blog of the same name.
Paul Sciré has held leadership positions with non-profit organizations for more than 35 years and currently serves as Senior Director of Donor Engagement – Major Gifts with the Sarasota Orchestra. Paul is an advocate for civil and human rights, conservation of the natural world, and support for the visual and performing arts. On alternate Sunday […]
Sharon Preston-Folta has spent a 30-plus-year career in advertising sales and marketing, predominantly as an account executive in radio, and is currently Sr. Account Executive with WUSF Public Media in Tampa, Fla. Sharon became a published author with her memoir, “Living in The Shadow of my Father, Louis Daniel Armstrong,” in 2012, and is the […]
New college student.
Kathleen has a rich background in journalism, radio, and communications for nonprofits organizations. She believes strongly in the mission of our WSLR + Fogartyville and plans to utilize her organizational and communications experience to support our operation and help highlight the people, programs, and events that make our community so special. “I will do my […]
Jesse is a lifelong resident of the suncoast who comes to us with an extensive management background, a passion for creating and listening to local music, and deep connections to the community. “Hi folks! I am so excited to be in this role. WSLR is a huge asset to our area and I am so […]
Bernadette is a member of the news team. After participating in the 2021 Black History Month listen-in, she decided to become a part of WSLR. She deeply enjoys the process of curating news stories and believes it has contributed to her staying informed about local and statewide issues. Bernadette is a local high school student […]
David Brain started out to be an architect until an interest in urban issues drew him to a Ph.D. in sociology. He is a professor of Sociology and Environmental Studies, and directs the Urban Studies program at New College of Florida. David’s research and teaching interests focus on the connections between place-making, community-building, and civic engagement, […]
Originally from Argentina, Mariano Vera has worked with La Prensa in Buenos Aires, Crónica Newspaper in Washington D.C. He has had radio shows in National Public Radio in Buenos Aires, Bowie, Maryland, and now Sarasota, Florida. He is currently the producer of “Nuestra Música” (Our Music) a show that highlights music from Latin America, Spain, […]
Sophia Brown is from Lutz, FL, and is currently studying English at New College. She’s also the editor in chief of New College’s student-run newspaper, The Catalyst. Her interest in print journalism is what initially drew her into WSLR+Fogartyville, but she also has a growing passion for public radio and the kind of community building […]
Stan Zimmerman is a writer, editor and broadcaster with 47 years of experience. He reported in Florida, Washington, DC and 10 countries, published four books, and regularly lectures on Florida history. He won election to the Sarasota County Charter Review Board, the Congressional Periodical Press Gallery governing board and the Sarasota Sailing Squadron board of […]
Jennifer "JR" Rippel was born and raised in New Jersey. She then lived in western Massachusetts for almost 20 years, where she was a CPA at a construction and real estate firm. She previously served on the board of a historical theater, and she is currently a volunteer tax preparer through the AARP TaxAide program. She lives in downtown Sarasota with her husband.
