Katie Weiss is a strategic talent executive with a deep-rooted passion for the performing arts and arts education. As Senior Vice President of Talent Operations at Publicis Groupe, she leads transformative initiatives across a workforce of over 24,000 employees, focusing on scalable solutions, operational excellence, and strategic workforce planning. Katie’s foundation in the performing arts began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from the University of Wyoming, followed by professional work with theatre companies nationwide. She brings a unique perspective that bridges business strategy and artistic vision.
Katie is committed to supporting the theatre’s mission, championing sustainable growth, and helping ensure the arts remain accessible, vibrant, and transformative for all.
Diane Weiss, M.S., earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and special education from Vanderbilt University. She began her career as a behavioral and educational consultant before co-founding Forty Carrots Family Center, where she served as co-Executive Director of the nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families through education and support
Diane has presented at national conferences and facilitated workshops for parents, educators, and professionals across the state. As a national trainer for Florida State University’s Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy, she traveled the country working with early interventionists and home visitors. Her articles on parenting and child development have been published in professional journals as well as local magazines.
In 2013, Diane joined her husband, Dr. Robert Weiss, to establish Weiss Pediatric Care. As Practice Manager, she drew upon her expertise in parenting, child development, communication, and team building to guide the practice’s clinicians and support staff. Under her leadership, Weiss Pediatric Care earned recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA), reflecting the practice’s commitment to innovation, evidence-based care, and compassionate service to children and families.
A long-time supporter of The Sarasota Players, Diane is especially inspired by the way community theatre empowers people of all ages to discover their voices, build confidence, and find belonging. She is delighted to serve on the board of an organization that has nurtured the talents of her grandchildren, family members, friends, and countless others throughout its nearly 100-year history.
Scott Keys is a freelance director writer and theatre educator,and recently served as Interim Artistic Director for The Players Centre, Sarasota’s oldest community theatre, performed in TPC’s Side by Side by Sondheim and directed productions of FALSETTOS SOME ENCHANTED EVENING and GODSPELL and RUTHLESS!. Scott holds a B.F.A in Musical Theatre Performance from Syracuse University and an M.F.A in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU where he was bestowed the Oscar Hammerstein Fellowship for Distinguished Writing as well as outstanding recognition by the Edward Kleban and Jonathan Larson Foundations. Scott holds a degree in Secondary Education from Eckerd College and certification as a teacher of The Meisner Technique under the renown Larry Silverberg. He retired in 2021 after more than two decades in public education as a teacher, director, and Chairman of the renowned Booker Visual & Performing Arts High school Theatre dept., and was recently selected by Broadway World as Arts Educator of the Decade in Sarasota. He was awarded the Distinguished Career Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to Theatre Education by The Florida Theatre Conference, where he also served on the Board for 12 years. He has directed over 150 plays and musicals in professional, civic and educational theatres throughout the country, and locally has directed for The Asolo, FST, Sarasota Players, Manatee Players and for Venice Theatre, where he collaborated on the world premiere musical revue UP ON THE ROOF. Also a published composer, playwright and lyricist, Scott served as an Artistic Associate at Playwright’s Horizons in New York and has had his work produced professionally internationally and throughout the U.S. He is enjoying his new freelance artistic life and continued devotion to his partner of 38 years, David Covach.
Michelle Bilsky, Esquire currently serves as Compliance Officer for Global Physician Network, a physician and physician extender staffing company which staffs the ED’s and UCC’s for Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Prior to her current role she served as CHRO for Orlando Senior Health Network, a CCRC with over 750 employees.
Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCF, her executive Leadership Certificate from Wharton and her juris doctorate from FAMU College of Law.
Michelle serves as a community volunteer for the Altamonte Springs Rotary Club, and serves as a board member for UCF Alumni Board, Opportunity, Community, Ability, Inc. and The Sarasota Players.
She is married to attorney Wayne Bilsky. Together the couple has four children, and one grandchild.
Rob McLain is an experienced attorney, who has represented clients in a variety of civil, criminal, and family law matters. A Sarasota native, Mr. McLain earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, where he majored in philosophy and minored in English, and his law degree from George Mason University School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude and served as articles editor on the George Mason Law Review and was published on the subject of computer searches and seizures. Prior to law school, Mr. McLain worked as a middle school English teacher, as an IT specialist for an AM LAW 100 law firm, and as an evidence technician and law clerk for a computer forensics company.
To his surprise, after taking a financially complicated divorce case at the urging of a former partner, Mr. McLain discovered a passion for family law. Although he still represents civil clients in select matters, Mr. McLain’s practice is primarily focused on helping clients successfully navigate the often tumultuous and complex — financially and emotionally — waters of family law. Whether a simple divorce or a multi-million marital estate with closely held businesses and timesharing and child support issues at stake, Mr. McLain approaches each case with the goal of making sure his clients understand the law, understand their options, are clear on their objectives, and are able to make decisions in the best interest of themselves and their family, whether that means compromise or trial.
Es Swihart is an educator, self-worth researcher, and Jungian coach with a lifelong commitment to creativity, learning, and community. With dual degrees from the University of Florida—a BFA in Acting and a BA in English—Es began her career rooted in theatre and storytelling before moving into education, where she has spent two decades working with students and teachers across diverse contexts. She represented Sarasota County as the 2018 Teacher of the Year, served as the Vice Chair on the board of The Education Foundation of Sarasota County, and is the founder of The Worthy Self, a platform dedicated to growth, parenting, and education. Es’s research bridges self-worth and Mind, Brain, and Education science to reimagine learning environments that foster agency, belonging, and leadership. Currently the Dean of Academics for the Middle and Upper School at The Out-of-Door Academy, she brings both her artistic foundation and her educational leadership to supporting the role of theatre and education as a catalyst for creativity, empathy, and community connection. She earned her doctorate in Education with a focus on Mind, Brain, and Teaching at Johns Hopkins University.
William Rusling brings more than three decades of leadership, community service, and arts advocacy to the Board of Directors. His background spans nonprofit governance, civic economic development, and federal project management with the Department of Defense, where he led large-scale engineering and installation programs across multiple submarine classes. His time in federal service strengthened his ability to manage complex projects while keeping people, mission, and long-term planning at the forefront.
A founding board member of the Children’s Theatre Company of Pawtucket, Bill helped build opportunities for under-resourced youth to engage in theatre and creative expression, while securing grants and forging partnerships with other arts organizations. Since 2013, he has been an active contributor to the Players Theatre community—constructing more than 70 sets, sponsoring productions, and earning Volunteer of the Year honors.
Known for his steady leadership, hands-on commitment, and belief in the transformative power of theatre, Bill is proud to support the organization’s mission and its future.