Decades of Dedication: Celebrating Five Leaders Who Shaped CAP’s Future

Set against a stunning view of the St. Johns River and accompanied by music from the award-winning CAP String Orchestra, on February 10, CAP leadership, staff, board members and friends gathered at The River Club to toast CAP’s inaugural group of Board Members Emeritus.

The Board Member Emeritus designation allows these leaders to remain connected to CAP without the demands of day-to-day board service. While they are stepping back from regular meetings and governance responsibilities, their insight, perspective and institutional knowledge will continue to shape the future of the organization.

“Of course, many Board members have advanced our mission over the years. But these—our inaugural Board Members Emeritus—stand apart,” said Rev. Kimberly Hyatt, CAP President & CEO. “They were selected because of their hand in writing the most important chapters of our story.”

Each of the honorees has played a unique role in helping the Cathedral Arts Project grow and thrive. Here, we examine the input that each one brought to the organization’s leadership in its early days which continues to have an impact more than 30 years on.

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Alan Fickling

Alan Fickling’s contributions to CAP are defined by his vision for both the organization’s physical environment and its community reach. As a builder by profession, Fickling spearheaded the design and construction of CAP’s downtown office, transforming the workspace into a bright, professional, creative space. This physical foundation serves as a daily reminder of the value of the staff’s work and the excellence the organization strives to achieve.

Beyond the office walls, Fickling’s persistence was instrumental in expanding CAP’s fundraising capabilities. He advocated for the creation of a golf tournament, a concept that has since become a cornerstone of CAP’s fundraising efforts. Now entering its 10th year, the tournament has significantly increased the resources available to help students succeed.

Throughout his tenure on the board, Fickling’s refusal to accept limits helped build a lasting circle of supporters and provided the organization with essential long-term stability.

Susan Greene

Susan Greene’s contributions to CAP were instrumental in establishing the organization’s early credibility and long-term financial security.

By joining the board during CAP’s formative years, Susan provided a level of institutional endorsement that helped build public trust and standing within the community. Her leadership focused on the essential value of the organization’s mission, frequently guiding strategic discussions toward the fundamental impact of arts education on the lives of students.

In addition to her advocacy, Susan took concrete steps to ensure the organization’s future by establishing CAP’s first endowment. This initiative shifted the organization’s financial model from immediate fundraising to long-term sustainability, guaranteeing that CAP’s programs would remain available to students for years to come. Her tenure is marked by this dual focus on maintaining high standards of stewardship while protecting the core purpose of the organization.

Chuck Hedrick

Chuck Hedrick’s contributions to CAP are characterized by his legal expertise and his commitment to organizational governance. As an accomplished attorney, Chuck provided the board with measured judgment and discernment, ensuring that the most significant decisions were grounded in high standards of leadership. His tenure was defined by a focus on protecting the nonprofit’s mission and culture with a clear-eyed perspective on complex issues.

In addition to his formal role, Chuck served as a vital resource for strategic counsel, offering consistent availability and wisdom during his time on the board. By maintaining a focus on ethical standards and providing a stable foundation for decision-making, he helped shape CAP’s long-term direction. His leadership set a benchmark for how the board manages its responsibilities and cares for the organization’s future.

Marisa Martire

Marisa’s impact on CAP is centered on her ability to cultivate and mobilize a community of supporters.

During her three-year leadership of the Angels of the Arts campaign, Marisa’s direct approach and focus on strategic planning were instrumental in its success. By requiring clear objectives and maintaining rigorous oversight of fundraising details, she ensured the organization exceeded its goals every year of her tenure.

Beyond hitting financial targets, Marisa specialized in turning initial introductions into lasting relationships. By hosting gatherings and opening her home to prospective supporters, she expanded CAP’s reach and built a dedicated network of advocates for its students. Her tenure as a champion for the organization was defined by this ability to bridge the gap between community engagement and mission-critical resources.

 

Darnell Smith