New Board Leadership at The Studios of Key West

Mary Jean Connors Steps Up as President

Starting this month, The Studios of Key West welcomes a new Board President and regretfully bids farewell to another. Mary Jean Connors takes the reins from Janet Hinkle, who led the organization with a big heart and a steady hand as The Studios completed its first full year in its newly renovated home at 533 Eaton Street. During that time, The Studios grew its audience and expanded its operation with 50% more programs than before, and the opening of Books & Books @ The Studios in its corner retail space.

Ms. Hinkle is the owner/operator of Lion’s Paw Life Sailing Charters, and vows to remain a regular presence both at The Studios and in Key West. “Family matters are pulling me home to Tallahassee right now,” she says, “but I plan to stay a part of the many lives in Key West I’ve come to call my family of choice.” In addition to her service to The Studios, Ms. Hinkle was a member of the HARC commission, and was previously active on the Board at FIRM (Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe).

Fortunately for The Studios, Vice President Mary Jean Connors has graciously agreed to step up and carry out the balance of Ms. Hinkle’s term. Ms. Connors spent the bulk of her career with Knight Ridder publications, starting in the newsroom and retiring in 2006 as Senior Vice President. After spending many years visiting the Keys seasonally with her husband, journalist Geoffrey Tomb, they relocated to Key West permanently in 2013. In addition to The Studios, Ms. Connors is a dedicated painter, and exhibits at the Key West Art Center where she also sits on the Board.

“I’ve seen firsthand what a difference The Studios is making in Key West, and in the lives of the artists we serve,” says Ms. Connors. “We’re all sad to see Janet go, but what’s beautiful about The Studios is it’s lifted up by a whole community. I couldn’t be more proud to be carrying that legacy forward.”

 

CONTACT: Jed Dodds, Executive Director

[email protected] or 305-296-0458

 

The Studios of Key West

533 Eaton Street

www.tskw.org

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