SARASOTA, Fla. – A leadership change at one of southwest Florida’s most prestigious country clubs will take place later this year as longtime General Manager Laurie Evans retires and Director of Finance John Fetsick assumes the top position.
University Park, established in 1991 along University Parkway in Manatee County, consists of a 1,200-home, gated community that features University Park Country Club, a 27-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, fitness center and dining facility.
Evans, who first joined the club in 2001 as director of membership, has served in a variety of roles and as general manager since 2007. Most recently, she has worked alongside the resident-controlled Boards to manage turnover of the community to the residents, the formation of a Recreation District, spearheading a major renovation of the club’s dining facilities and an addition of pickleball courts and other amenities.
Evans will be succeeded by Fetsick, University Park’s director of finance. He joined University Park in 2020 following over 15 years of sports and hospitality experience with the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball Team, most recently as their director of finance.
The change, which became effective today, was announced by leaders of the University Park three-member Management Committee, including John Whyte, president of University Park Community Association; Jim Case, chairman of the University Park Recreation District; and Bruce Mantia, chairman of the Management Committee.
In making the announcement, Mantia thanked Evans for her 20 years of service and her enormous contributions and dedication to the members, residents and staff of University Park.
“The Community Association and Country Club businesses are ever-changing, and only those organizations that adapt can continue to be successful,” Mantia said. “Laurie was the perfect fit for University Park, especially as the club was acquired by the residents and a major renovation of key facilities was initiated. We thank her and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
According to Mantia, the selection of Fetsick as general manager followed an extensive internal and external search.
“John has been an integral part of the long-range strategy for University Park and a key member of the management team,” Mantia said. “He has earned the respect of the members, residents and staff at University Park as a leader capable of continuing strong leadership in the years ahead.”
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