Hernando-DeSoto_Historical-Society-tri-color

CURRENT LEADERSHIP

HDHS CHF Combined logos HHH_ (1)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OF THE HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Since 1939, our membership includes many civic, governmental, and business leaders that serve in a variety of community-oriented roles. Our organization produces some of the largest entertainment events in Manatee County including the De Soto Ball, and the largest nighttime parade in the Southeastern United States, the De Soto Grand Parade.

  • Jeff Nance, President
  • Bob Richardson, President ElectTreasurer
  • Dennis Romano, Immediate Past President
  • Rick Parcels, CHF Chairman
  • Sid Jones, Hernando de Soto
  • Scott Kemp, Secretary
  • Tom Murphy, Director
  • Bill Booth, Director
  • Johnny Jander, Director
  • Gary Kortzendorf, Director
  • Jordan DeSear, Director
  • Jennifer Lipsey, Director
  • Don Zirkelbach, Director
  • Gus Sokos, Executive Director

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OF THE CONQUISTADOR HISTORICAL FOUNDATION

Our fundraising efforts finacially support our sister organization, the Conquistador Historical Foundation, which annually donates to community charities, provides educational programs, sponsors a student exchange program with Barcarrota, Spain, Bradenton’s sister city, and funds scholarships to local students. 

  • Rick Parcels, CHF Chairman
  • Walter Sowa, Trustee
  • Bob Richardson, HDHS President
  • Jeff Nance, HDHS President Elect
  • Sid Jones, Hernando de Soto
  • Bill Hahn, Treasurer
  • Allen Morrell, Secretary
  • Todd Hubbard, Vice Chair
  • Mike Ivko, Trustee
  • Gus Sokos, Executive Director