Watchdog seeks to slow down

The Argus Foundation, one of the leading pro-business groups on the Gulf Coast, is searching for a new director after the recently announced pending retirement of longtime head Kerry Kirschner.

The public face and behind-the-scenes orchestrator of all things Argus since he was named executive director in 1993, Kirschner will retire at the end of the year. Sarasota attorney Bill Merrill with Icard Merrill law firm and president of the Argus Foundation board, says Kirschner is difficult to replace given his think-big philosophy and the amount of connections he has in town. “He's a thought leader on so many things,” says Merrill. “He sees things before others see them, and that's been a huge benefit for Argus and the business community.”

Kirschner, who turns 68 in December, has been involved in Sarasota civics and government for years before Argus. A former executive with a fruit shipping business, Kirschner served three terms on the Sarasota city commission and was mayor of the city twice, in 1986-1987 and 1990-1991. Kirschner's son, Kelly Kirschner, is also a former Sarasota city commissioner and mayor.