Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: October 1, 2024
TO:
Commissioner Nicole Wilson, District 1
Commissioner Christine Moore, District 2
Commissioner Mayra Uribe, District 3
Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero, District 4
Commissioner Emily Bonilla, District 5
Commissioner Michael “Mike” Scott, District 6
SUBJECT: Appointment of Manager - Regional History Center Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Confirmation of the Mayor’s managerial appointment of Azela Santana as Manager, Regional History Center Division, Community and Family Services Department.
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PURPOSE: I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Azela Santana as Manager of the Orange County Regional History Center, a division within the Community and Family Services Department. Ms. Santana will also serve as the Executive Director of the Historical Society of Central Florida, Incorporated (HSCF) consistent with the Operating Agreement for the Orange County Regional History Center between the County and HSCF.
Ms. Santana brings an impressive background and a wealth of experience as a senior executive. With nearly 17 years of professional nonprofit and museum experience, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, a strong work ethic, and a uniquely effective talent for relationship-building, strategic fundraising, donor engagement, and board management. She has extensive experience in event and program management, project development and planning, strategic and collaborative partnerships, community engagement, and marketing and communications.
Ms. Santana is deeply embedded in our community’s arts and humanities culture, having served as the Director for Advancement, Arts and Humanities for the University of Central Florida Foundation. Prior to this, she held a number of progressively responsible roles with the Orlando Museum of Art, including Associate Curator and Collections and Exhibitions Coordinator. Ms. Santana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art and Art History from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She has also continued her studies in nonprofit management.
Ms. Santana’s leadership ability, strategic outlook, innovative ideas, and ability to drive results will undoubtedly continue to build on our award-winning Regional History Center and contribute to the achievement of our goals. Contingent on confirmation by the Board, this appointment will be effective on December 9, 2024, with a starting annual salary of $125,060. Ms. Santana’s resume is attached for your reference.
Please contact County Administrator Byron W. Brooks if you have any questions or desire more information.