New Gate School is pleased to announce that the school has recently hired Michael Sisti of Sisti & Others, and Lisa Bricker, development consultant, to guide the school through a new era of identity and growth. Sisti will head up a revision of the school’s identify with a more dynamic branding program and Bricker will assist in identifying and reaching out to funding sources that will help to grow the already successful academic programming.
“We are very excited to be taking these big steps forward” remarked Head of School Paul Wenninger. “New Gate School has an important message; educating children for their futures. How we present ourselves to families, faculty, the Sarasota community and the world starts with that message. We have had many wonderful advertising campaigns, each clearly emphasizing an important aspect of our program. Now is the time to role all those messages into one that clearly communicates our educational philosophy. Branding by Mike Sisti and development with Lisa Bricker creates a dynamic team who can develop the message and the means to deliver the education.”
Before moving to Sarasota in 2002, Michael Sisti held the position of Chief Communications Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Following his five-year tenure at Blue Cross, Sisti and his wife Sara moved to Sarasota, and re-launched their highly successful virtual branding and marketing consultancy begun in 1993. Since that time, they have served clients throughout the state, as well as around the country.
Since moving to Sarasota, Sisti has served on committees for the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation. He is a member of the Trusted Advisors, a group of Sarasota professionals that provides business consulting services in all disciplines to local companies.
Throughout her career, Lisa Bricker has held many top management positions overseeing development and public relations for a variety of not-for-profit and educational facilities. She has worked extensively in Polk and Sarasota counties for much of the past 10 years including Vice President of Development for Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory from 2005-2007. Presently, Bricker works as a private consultant in addition to being Vice President of Gulfside Regional Hospice in New Port Richey, FL.
“In today’s world, fundraising and development are essential parts of the equation that helps us to keep tuition within reach while still growing our offerings to students and families,” Wenninger continued. “While developing new resources, we will also make our educational vision clearer, more vibrant and meaningful for all of our stakeholders. Great ideas, great education, and great people equals a great future for our students and families.”
New Gate School offers the area’s only Montessori-based program where children can begin as early as 18 months and continue throughout their secondary school education. New Gate’s Montessori secondary school program is one of just six in the country. The school’s unique, supportive classroom and campus setting provides a comfortable environment that is designed to help bring out the best in every child. Its mission is to “cultivate a love of life.”
For more information on New Gate School, visit the website at www.newgate.edu, or contact Paul Wenninger, head of school at 941-922-4949 or email pwenninger@newgate.edu.