VAN WEZEL DIRECTOR PLACED
ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

Sarasota, Fl- John Wilkes, the Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately. Mr. Wilkes’ employment status with the City of Sarasota will be determined next week pending a meeting with the City Manager, Michael McNees.

Mr. Wilkes chose not to answer questions posed by the City Manager this afternoon regarding a recent internal audit conducted regarding his business travel. Mr. Wilkes indicated he would like to be represented by legal counsel.

Mr. Wilkes is currently serving the first week of a two week suspension, a disciplinary action taken for using City of Sarasota resources for personal business. Mr. McNees says Mr. Wilkes will not resume his duties as Executive Director of the Van Wezel until all questions pertaining to the audit have been fully answered.

For more information, please contact:
Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-4160
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com