Diane Bailey Morton/Photo courtesy of the Warehouse Arts District Association
By Greg C. Truax, Publisher
Diane Bailey Morton on Wednesday was named the executive director of the Warehouse Arts District Association, a non-profit arts organization dedicated to building and sustaining a vibrant arts community in St. Petersburg.
“Diane is a true community leader,” WADA President Mark Aeling said. “She has had a stellar professional career and has been very supportive of the arts community in both service and philanthropy . . . we are thrilled to have her on board.”
Ms. Morton, a lawyer, is a well-known supporter of the arts community in the Tampa Bay area after serving more than 20 years on the board of trustees of American Stage, the bay area’s longest-running professional theatre company. She and her family sponsored all 10 years of playwright August Wilson’s “Century Cycle” plays at the theatre.
She has also has sponsored numerous theatre productions for The Studio@620, Stageworks Theatre and freeFall Theater Company, in addition to serving on a number of other community and professional boards.
“This position combines my love of community with my love of the Arts. I am looking forward to putting my business experience to work for the whole district,” said Ms. Morton, who has practiced law in the Tampa Bay area for over 30 years, according to a WADA press release.
Ms. Morton began her legal career as an assistant state attorney, opened a trial practice in St. Petersburg, and served as general counsel of the Tampa Police Benevolent Association and the Tampa Firefighters, and was named as general counsel of C1 Bank, according to the press release.
“I have known Diane for many years,” said Rob Kapusta, WADA vice president. “Diane has a true love of the arts and is a consummate professional in all the tasks she undertakes. We are lucky to have her and are excited about her advancing the mission of the Warehouse Arts District.”