The Naples Players Celebrates the Career of Director of Development

The Naples Players Celebrates the Career of Director of Development, Elizabeth Rountree

After decades of dedicated service to the arts and nonprofit communities, The Naples Players’ Director of Development, Elizabeth Rountree, CFRE, has announced her upcoming retirement later this year.

Rountree joined The Naples Players as the organization’s first Director of Advancement, helping to expand the theatre’s philanthropic network and strengthen the foundation for its continued growth. Under her leadership, TNP launched new donor-engagement initiatives, deepened relationships with major supporters, and helped secure resources for key community programs that have positioned the organization as one of the region’s leading cultural institutions.

“Liz brought both professionalism and heart to every conversation,” said Bryce Alexander, CEO and Executive Artistic Director of The Naples Players. “She knew that true philanthropy isn’t measured in dollars, but in relationships. She built trust, created lasting friendships, and helped everyone around her see that generosity is an act of shared purpose – not a transaction.”

Rountree, who holds the designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), has more than 25 years of leadership experience in philanthropy, marketing, and nonprofit management. Before joining TNP, she held senior positions at organizations including Artis–Naples, Gulfshore Playhouse, and The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. Earlier in her career, she served as Vice President of Development for Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, where she built the organization’s first formal fundraising department and led a regional capital campaign. Her experience also spans healthcare philanthropy and planned giving, where she directed multimillion-dollar initiatives and guided teams through periods of strategic expansion.

A native of Virginia and a graduate of the University of Arizona, Rountree began high school working on theatre and television commercial sets as a teenager. Her lifelong love of the arts has informed every step of her career.

As she reflects on her next chapter, Rountree insists that the story is not about her, but about the community that surrounds The Naples Players. “The more I think about the message that needs to get out, the less it should say about me,” she said. “I want to emphasize what has been accomplished in the last two years, capitalizing on TNP’s vision and celebrating the many friends who have been with TNP, along with the new friends who have joined our mission. My desire now is to spend time with family and friends, enjoy Naples, and remain part of the TNP family, including keeping my season tickets!”

Her decision to retire comes at a time of tremendous momentum for The Naples Players, which continues to expand its education programs, community partnerships, and donor engagement efforts in alignment with its mission to build community through exceptional access to the power of theatre.

“Liz’s professionalism and warmth have been a gift to us,” Alexander added. “She leaves TNP stronger, more connected, and ready for the future; and she’ll always be part of this family.”

Liz will remain at the helm of TNP’s acclaimed Front & Center Gala on February 10, 2026, with a separate celebration of Rountree and her achievements planned for later in February. A national search has now begun to find TNP’s next Director of Development.

About The Naples Players

The Naples Players (TNP) is a nationally recognized community theatre dedicated to building community through exceptional access to the power of theatre. Located in the heart of downtown Naples, TNP engages more than 800 volunteers annually, reaching over 70,000 audience members and students through high-quality productions, inclusive education programs, and innovative community partnerships. TNP is home to The Baker Day School of the Academy of Dramatic Arts, the only full-time performing arts school in Southwest Florida. With a newly renovated, LEED-certified facility, TNP continues to serve as a cultural hub and leader in how theatres can impact their communities.