Sarasota nonprofit gets big business infusion

SARASOTA — The board of the Van Wezel Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the downtown Sarasota performing arts hall, named six new members and appointed a new chairman and treasurer.

The new and promoted members are heavy on business experience, including the former CEO of Caterpillar Japan; a private equity executive; an AT&T official; and a banker with 40 years experience. Shaun Merriman, president and CEO of Sarasota-based Gateway Bank, was named chairman of the board, according to a release. A 30-year banking veteran and advocate for area businesses, Merriman had been treasurer of the board.

Ali Bahaj, former CEO of Caterpillar Japan, a joint venture with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, will replace Merriman as treasurer, the release adds. During his tenure at Caterpillar, Bahaj negotiated a change in ownership structure from a 50-50 joint venture to a fully owned subsidiary for the company. Bahaj has been involved with the Van Wezel Foundation since June 2014.