WINTER PARK, Fla. (Jan. 6, 2026) — Building on its 18-year history as a vital cultural and intellectual resource, The Winter Park Institute today announced an exciting plan to expand its role as a preeminent convener of ideas and dialogue for Central Florida and beyond. Leading the Institute into its next chapter is Mark Freid, an experienced strategist and civic-minded leader known for advising mission-driven organizations, who has been named executive director.

Rooted in Winter Park’s longstanding appreciation for arts, culture, and the exchange of ideas, the Institute is sharpening its focus as a platform for influential voices and meaningful conversation. Through thoughtfully curated talks, author events, and live discussions, the Institute will explore themes such as well-being, creativity, ethics, leadership, and civic life. Past events have featured Sir Paul McCartney, Maya Angelou, Arthur Brooks, and Grant Hill, among others. Guided by a commitment to engagement, the Institute is dedicated to creating conversations that enrich both individuals and the broader community.

Freid brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience spanning branding, organizational strategy, and civic engagement. He is the founder of Think Integrated, an award-winning marketing and strategy firm, and has advised international companies, innovative entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations at both the local and national levels. His leadership experience includes serving as board president of the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida, where he helped guide the organization’s mission of education, remembrance, and dialogue, as well as board service with organizations including the Central Florida YMCA and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.

Freid’s leadership is informed by formal training in public leadership and governance, including studies at Tulane University, the Harvard Kennedy School, and Rollins College’s Crummer Graduate School of Business, as well as executive leadership programs focused on resilience, performance, and organizational leadership.

A nearly 30-year resident of Winter Park, Freid and his wife, a Winter Park native, raised their family in the community and have long been active participants in its civic and cultural life. That deep local connection, combined with national experience and perspective, uniquely positions him to lead the Institute at a moment of opportunity and renewal.

“With deep roots in Winter Park, I have long recognized and valued the important role The Winter Park Institute has played in our community,” said Freid. “The programs the Institute presented during its time at Rollins enlightened and inspired audiences, including me and my family. In more recent years, the organization’s dedicated volunteers have continued to deliver that same exceptional level of thought-provoking dialogue—most notably through last year’s remarkable presentation by Arthur Brooks.”

“My goal is to build on the foundation established by those who came before me and to align the values of our community with exceptional speakers, thought leaders, and more community-based programs,” Freid added. “Working alongside our outstanding Board of Trustees, we have the opportunity to be a place where ideas are explored with depth, curiosity, and respect—where dialogue brings people together and challenges us to think more openly and thoughtfully about the world we share.”

As part of this new chapter, the Institute will expand and evolve its programming to feature internationally recognized authors, artists, scholars, and thought leaders, alongside more intimate and interactive experiences designed to foster meaningful connection. With a focus on human flourishing, events will be designed to spark conversation, invite reflection, and encourage civic engagement.

“The Winter Park Institute was originally conceived as a lasting cultural resource for our community,” said Tony Jenkins, chair of the Institute’s board of trustees. “Now is the right time to build on that vision. With Mark’s leadership, we honor past success and look ahead with purpose, creativity, and renewed ambition.” Additional announcements, including upcoming speakers and signature events, will be shared soon.