Sarasota's Bird Key Yacht Club salutes leaders in honor of Women's History Month

The Bird Key Yacht Club is celebrating Women's History Month by honoring a team of young leaders who are united by a strong vision for community.

The club, which opened in 1960, featured men in the role of Commodore for its first 39 years. The first female Commodore – in effect the chair of the board of governors – was Paula Herod in 1999. In the next 22 years, four women led the club as Commodore with Lisa Adams currently holding the position.

Joining Adams on the management team is general manager and chief operating officer Tammy Hackney; membership and marketing director Alyssa Ledonne; catering and events director Rachel Picot; and tennis director Jackie Bohannon.

"These dynamic women are transforming the Bird Key Yacht Club," club member Tony Britt said. "Members comment on the renewed energy and 'fun vibe.' They are a huge reason for our reputation of friendliness and our welcoming environment."

BKYC also has a strong tradition of community service, Britt said. "Over the years, the club has harnessed the energy and generosity of members to support Mote Marine, Toys for Tots, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Save Our Seabirds, Wounded Warriors, and Sarasota Boys & Girls Clubs among others."

Adams, originally from Maine, relocated to Sarasota in 2015 after a career in health care. Hackney, a Texas native with extensive experience in club management, joined BKYC in 2022. Ledonne has been with the club since 2017 and Picot joined the team in 2022. Bohannon, a former Sarasota High tennis standout, came over in 2020 from Longboat Key Club and was voted "Americas Top Coach" in 2021 in a contest sponsored by Tennis Channel.

For information, visit birdkeyyc.com.

Submitted by Tony Britt

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: BKYC management team honored as part of Women's History Month