Our Team
The staff & board of Naples Art Institute
Frank Verpoorten
Executive Director & Chief Curator
Frank has 20+ years of experience with cultural institutions and museums in Brussels, Belgium, New York City, and Southwest Florida. As an art historian trained in 19th-century European academic art and knowledgeable in Pan-American modern and contemporary art, he has curated and organized more than 100 exhibitions, most notably Surrealism in Belgium: The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (2014), The Duchamp Family of Artists (2014), and Museum to Scale 1/7 (2015).
Originally from Brussels, Verpoorten moved to New York City in 2000, where he held curatorial and directorial roles at the Dahesh Museum of Art, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Modern Art. From 2009 to 2012 he was Cultural Attaché for the Delegation of Flanders (Belgium) to the U.S.A. in New York.
Before joining Naples Art Institute, he was Director and Chief Curator of Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum for seven years, earning the appreciation, support, and friendship of the Southwest Florida community through unique, world-class exhibitions, tireless advocacy for the permanent collection, and judicious acquisitions.
He propelled the institution to a new level of excellence and substantially grew and advanced the appreciation of the museum’s collections. He expanded the collection by securing major acquisitions from the late Olga Hirshhorn and from Charlotte and Paul Corddry. His research on The Baker Museum’s collection culminated with the publication of their first permanent collection book.
In 2019, Verpoorten secured a long-term loan of six iconic paintings by the Belgian surrealist René Magritte from a private collection. The addition of these outstanding works with remarkable provenance substantially raised the museum’s profile nationally and internationally.
Mr. Verpoorten attended the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium, earning dual master’s degrees in art history and cultural studies.
Jack Decloedt
Senior Director of Operations
Bringing his experience in managing several businesses to Naples Art Institute, Jack strives for operational excellence and financial stability in support of the Institute’s plan to become Naples’ cultural and educational focal point for the visual arts.
Originally from Belgium, Jack started and ran the European office for an American systems engineering and manufacturing company, then transferred to its headquarters in Colorado, eventually becoming CEO. He later decided to move to Naples, where he co-founded and developed a high-end electronic systems integration firm that raised the bar for customer experience. Upon selling that company, he took on the position of VP and General Manager of a local sign manufacturer, helping to establish it as Southwest Florida’s largest.
Jack’s passion for education, culture and arts is shown in his extensive volunteer work with a Florida university, assisting with the development and installation of numerous art exhibitions as well as the design and implementation of a newly-built museum.
jack.decloedt@naplesart.org | 239.262.6517 Ext. 115
Jenn Doherty
Director of Marketing & Communications
Jenn is an accomplished professional in marketing and communications, and holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Having spent 13 years in Los Angeles, she cultivated an exceptional array of professional achievements. These include spearheading a film festival in Hollywood and establishing a successful digital marketing agency, catering to notable clients like Rob Lowe.
In 2022, she became the Director of Marketing and Communications at Naples Art Institute. With extensive experience in executing campaigns for non-profit and consumer sectors, Jenn brings much enthusiasm to her role with the Naples Art Institute team.
jenn.doherty@naplesart.org | 239.262.6517 Ext. 105
Eva Perron
Digital Marketing Manager
As Digital Marketing Manager, Eva supports Naples Art Institute’s marketing and communications efforts by developing and implementing digital marketing strategies, social media planning, branding, and designing creative content.
Born and raised in northern Michigan, she received Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Finance from Grand Valley State University. During this time, she worked as a Marketing Intern for the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, as well as a Communications and Operations Assistant for Grand Rapids Facilities & Services.
With an ardor for travel and art, Eva spent a summer in London studying Art History at Kingston University, where her passion for the arts grew and she developed a special interest in museum curation.
After graduating, she decided to move to southwest Florida where she obtained the position as Digital Marketing Coordinator for Vespa, while also doing graphic design work on the side for other local businesses.
eva.perron@naplesart.org | 239.262.6517 Ext. 107
Lynn Borzumato
Education Manager
Education Manager, Lynn Borzumato, plans and schedules the educational programs each season and manages the daily studio operations for classes, oversees program administration for both students and instructors.
Lynn came to Naples from Los Angeles, where she spent more than 20 years in project and asset management in the entertainment business.
lynn.borzumato@naplesart.org | 239.262.6517 Ext. 110
Nicole Holdgrafer
Strategic Development Manager
As a southwest Florida native, Nicole’s background with Naples Art Institute began at a young age when she regularly attended exhibitions and ARTScool each summer. Throughout the years, she has nurtured her love for the arts by taking college courses such as art history and art studio, entering art fair competitions, and painting in her spare time.
Nicole studied communications, advertising, and entrepreneurship while attending the University of Florida. She earned her Master of Arts in Mass Communications, Bachelor of Science in Advertising, and Innovation Minor all within 4 years. She previously served as Digital Marketing Intern at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, Digital Marketing & Social Media Intern at 270M, Art Director at Elevate Agency at UF, and Project Manager at The Agency at UF.
As Strategic Development Manager, Nicole works to support Naples Art Institute’s strategy and marketing efforts by designing marketing collateral, enhancing fundraising methods, managing constituent data, building community partnerships, and assisting on special projects. This position enables Nicole to use her skills in graphic design, project management, community outreach, and verbal and written communication.
nicole.holdgrafer@naplesart.org | 239.262.6517 Ext. 108
Rosanna Coscia
Office Manager & Executive Administrative Assistant
Rosanna brings more than 30 years of management experience to her roles at Naples Art Institute. As Office Manager, she manages the everyday operations Naples Art Institute and oversees the reception desk and guest relations as well as billing and human resources administration. As Executive Administrative Assistant, Rosanna supports the Executive Director/Chief Curator. Originally from Italy, Rosanna enjoys working at Naples Art Institute, not only because of her personal love of the visual arts, but also because she gets to meet people from many different backgrounds.
rosanna.coscia@naplesart.org | 239.262.6517 Ext. 109
Mary Visgilio
Special Projects Coordinator
Mary’s main focus is on recruitment and placement of volunteers for special projects. With a degree and background in Special Education, Mary transitioned to sales where she spent the majority of her career before moving to Naples from the Northeast in 2012.
Mary loves meeting new people, discovering their talents and how they can play a role in the growth of Naples Art Institute. Until she was introduced to Naples Art Institute, she never knew the extent of her love for the arts and how valuable its contribution to the community truly is. She considers Naples Art Institute her true happy place.
Nabil Benjelloun
Guest Relations Associate
Nabil engages regularly with visitors at Naples Art Institute. Having performed in theatre for most of his life, Nabil has taken part in multiple shows in Naples and Southwest Florida. While much of his training has been in theatre, his primary focus is film and television, and he recently starred in commercials for businesses in Fort Myers.
A lifetime love of the humanities drew Nabil to Naples Art Institute, as well as a desire to become more involved with local artists and organizations.
Nancy Reilly
Guest Relations Associate
Nancy joined Naples Art Institute after a 30+ year career in design and sales. She has received a degree in Industrial Design complemented by an MBA. Her customer-first focus, coupled with her business development expertise, led to leadership roles in sales and marketing, building brands and managing multi-million-dollar revenue streams.
Nancy also recognizes the importance of giving back to the Naples community and volunteers with numerous organizations of interest. As a life-long advocate of the arts, she enthusiastically champions Naples Art Institute’s leadership position as a hub of visual contemporary art.
Michaelene Romano
Guest Relations Associate
With a diverse background in the Arts, Myki boasts a distinguished career in both Commercial and Residential Interior Design, along with her notable role as an Internet content producer, collaborating with students at the Broadcast School in Chicago. Her academic pursuits led her to study Art Illustration at the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, and Creative Writing at Loyola University, fueling her ambition to finalize the children's picture books she has authored. Myki's formative experience in sales at Disney's golden books division served as a pivotal introduction to her enduring passion for artistic expression.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Myki has devoted her time to empowering students on the Autism Spectrum, assisting them in educational settings, and guiding their career placements. Through her involvement in various nonprofit organizations, she has developed a profound understanding of the immeasurable value art holds for both individuals and their communities. Contributing to the ongoing success of the Napes Art Institute comes naturally to Myki, as she recognizes the profound impact of art and shares an unwavering dedication to those who dabble in artistic endeavors, as well as those who cherish and support the love of art.
Daniel Broderick
Maintenance
Board of Directors
Ricki Baker, President
Ellin Goetz
Jane Graham
Dolly Bodick Korest
Lorraine Kostyra
Merlin Lickhalter
Fred Luconi
Bob Ravitz
Paul Perry
Beth Petrunoff, Naples City Council Liason
Margie P. White