Press Release

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale announces new Chairman of Board of Governors and Board Members

(Fort Lauderdale, FL) –NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is pleased to announce that Dr. Stanley Goodman has been appointed Chairman of its Board of Governors, effective July 1, 2017. Dr. Goodman, who previously served in the position of Secretary, succeeds current Chairman David Horvitz, who will continue serving on the board in the position of Chairman Emeritus.

Dr. Goodman is a retired cardiologist, collector of Latin American art, and a sculptor. He has been actively involved with NSU Art Museum for over three decades, during which time he led philanthropic initiatives that strengthened and expanded its permanent collection and education resources.  In 2012, Dr. Goodman and his wife, Pearl, bequeathed 90 works from their highly regarded collection to the Museum and also helped establish the Dr. Stanley and Pearl Goodman Research and Study Center for Mexican and Latin American Art and an annual lecture on Latin American art.  The collection and research center include works by and archival materials relating to such artists as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, Jose Clemente Orozco and others.   A resident of Fort Lauderdale for 55 years, Dr. Goodman is also a board member of the Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward and is active with many other community organizations.

“Stanley Goodman is one of NSU Art Museum’s most knowledgeable and passionate supporters. He has demonstrated great leadership and vision and is highly respected, along with his wife Pearl, both locally and internationally for his cultural and community-focused philanthropy. We are delighted to have him leading the Board of Governors as we prepare to celebrate our 60th anniversary and enter our next phase of growth,” said Bonnie Clearwater, NSU Art Museum Director and Chief Curator. “We also express deep gratitude to David Horvitz, Chairman Emeritus, for his guidance and successful work to ensure the museum’s fiscal security and strengthen its holdings in contemporary art.”

Recently named members of the NSU Art Museum Board of Governors are: Juan Bergaz Pessino, Christina Brinkman, Jeff Haines, Michelle Howland and Jake Wurzak.

Juan Bergaz Pessino is Archivist of The Bacardi Archive in Miami and a member of the Bacardi family.  His work with the company began in 2008 with Bacardi Spain, where he served as the Bacardi Brand Ambassador, Director of the Bacardi Academy and Director for the Casa Bacardi in Sitges. In 2012, he became Manager of the Galarza Distillery in Puebla Mexico, and completed extensive training in blending with knowledge in the fields of chemical engineering, industrial safety, industrial maintenance, production quality controls and plant management. Since 2015, he has been responsible for the Bacardi Archive, which contains the history of the company since its establishment in 1862.

Christina Brinkman is an artist with studios located in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Rochester, New York. She received her degree from Rochester Institute of Technology and studied at the University of Rochester Creative Workshop. Her work is included in public, private and corporate collections and she has participated in numerous individual and juried group shows both nationally and regionally. She has designed products in fine and graphic arts areas for museums, businesses and institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Jeff Haines is a Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director for the South Florida region for Wells Fargo Private Bank.  Mr. Haines is responsible for clients of Wealth Management and Wells Fargo Private Bank, driving business planning and execution, recruiting and developing talent, and leading advisors who help clients with wealth management needs. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from the University of Maryland and also holds a J.D. cum laude, from the University of Baltimore.

Michelle Howland is a real estate professional who specializes in marketing high-end residential and waterfront properties throughout South Florida. In 2015, she represented the Buyer and Seller in the highest priced sale ever in Broward County. She is active in Fort Lauderdale’s philanthropic community, where she also serves on the board of Funding Arts Broward, and is involved with the Symphony of the Americas and PAWS, an affiliate of the Humane Society. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Louisville.

 Jake Wurzak is President at Wurzak Hotel Group where he also serves as the company’s in-house counsel and co-general counsel. He is responsible for analysis and executions of new acquisitions and dispositions, deal sourcing, new business development and third party management agreements, and also works with bank partners and capital and development partners.  He received his BBA degree, cum laude with honors from the University of Miami School of Business and a J.D. degree from Nova Southeastern University.  He also serves as partner in Dove Hills Holdings, L.L.C., a real estate investment firm.

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