Governor Rick Scott Reappoints Elaine Keating to the New College of Florida Board of Trustees

May 18, 2011 — Governor Rick Scott announced yesterday the reappointment of Elaine M. Keating to the New College of Florida Board of Trustees. Keating, of Longboat Key, is a philanthropist and retired business entrepreneur, who has given her time and resources to countless education and arts organizations throughout the local area. Keating’s new term is effective May 17, 2011, through January 6, 2016, subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Keating has been a supporter of New College since the mid 1980s. She became a trustee of the New College Foundation in 1996 and has chaired the student activities committee. With generous support from Elaine and her late husband, Ed, The Keating Center opened on campus in 2004 to house offices for the New College Foundation, Alumnae/i Association and Library Association.

Keating grew up on Chicago’s south side. Her mother was a nurse, and her father was a doctor whose practice was 90 percent charity. Although they were not wealthy, her family placed great importance on education. After earning a master’s degree from the Toby Coburn School of Fashion in New York City, Keating first opened a boutique in Darien, Conn., and later a tax preparation service company that grew to nearly 30 offices and a few hundred employees. In 1971, she was one of the first American women to become affiliated with Lloyds of London.

For more information, contact the Office of Public Affairs at (941) 487-4153 or [email protected].