Orange County is about to receive fresh talent in the historical arts scene. Azela Santana, an arts, education, and humanities veteran, has been named the new manager of the Orange County Regional History Center and will also serve as the executive director of the Historical Society of Central Florida, effective December 9. After a robust national search, this decision came down, and the Orange County Board of County Commissioners confirmed the choice.
"Throughout her nearly two-decade career in the arts and humanities, Azela Santana has personified the attributes of creativity, partnership and innovation that Orange County values," said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings in an announcement via Orange County Government website. The regional history museum Santana will oversee is not exactly a small potatoes operation—it's Central Florida's most substantive repository for regional history, spanning over 14,000 years. Not only is the facility decked out with an accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, but it's also one of the mere twelve museums in Florida with a Smithsonian Institution affiliation.
The new leader comes to the role from the University of Central Florida’s College of Arts and Humanities, where she was in charge of advancement. There, Santana has been recognized for her skills in developing strategic partnerships and driving philanthropy efforts, snagging the University’s inaugural UCF Advancement Core Values Excellence and Partnership Award in 2022. Given her past gigs, including a productive stint at the Orlando Museum of Art, Santana is no stranger to boosting profiles and pulling in the crowds through dynamic exhibitions.
Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in studio art and art history from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Santana's professional affiliations further bolster her standing in the arts and museum communities, which are highlighted by ties with distinguished organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Art Museum Curators. Kristopher Kest, president of the board of directors for the Historical Society of Central Florida, says, as per Orange County Government, "Her accomplishments at the University of Central Florida and the Orlando Museum of Art speak to her leadership and dedication to excellence." He also anticipated Santana's role in telling "Central Florida’s stories in new and exciting ways."
The Orange County Regional History Center, a notable part of downtown Orlando's cultural landscape, continues to shine with recognitions from the American Association for State and Local History, the Southeastern Museums Conference, and the Florida Historical Society. Supporting the Center is the Historical Society of Central Florida, a nonprofit rooted back to 1942, busy sponsoring exhibitions, programs, and events to illuminate the region's past for past members and guests alike. With Santana's track record, her tenure suggests a blend of honoring tradition while steering the center into even brighter spots on the national map.
