IMAG names Kelly as chair, appoints board members

The IMAG History & Science Center announced new appointments to its new board of directors. Carlos Kelly of Henderson Franklin has been appointed as the board chair and Matthew Simmons of Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons was appointed as vice chair. New members joining the board include Allie Schotanus-Lopez of Priority Marketing and professor Noemi McDonald of Florida Gulf Coast University.

Kelly has served on the IMAG board since 2015 and brings a wealth of experience, having served on various nonprofit boards throughout the community. He is an attorney at Henderson Franklin in Fort Myers with a focus on eminent domain and is a sought-after speaker on the topic. 

“I look forward to the opportunity to help the outstanding team at our community’s most interesting educational resource, The IMAG History & Science Center,” said Kelly.

Simmons has served on the IMAG board for the past three years and comes with direct experience, having co-founded his own nonprofit focused on providing scholarships to student athletes. As a partner in his firm, he specializes in the appraisal of high-value, complex residential properties.

McDonald teaches Introduction to Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Native American Cultures and Foundations in Museum Studies at FGCU. Her other course offerings include upper level courses such as Museum Exhibit Design and Interpreting Museums and Sites. She is also the program leader in the Museum Studies minor and trains students in collections management through providing access to the university’s artifact collections.

Schotanus-Lopez is the director of digital marketing at Priority Marketing, specializing in strategic digital planning encompassing social media strategy, content development, digital advertising and exploring new media tactics.

Executive director Matt Johnson said: “I am excited to work with new board members and leaders to advance our mission and promote a better understanding of our world through STEM and History.”