Dance Alive National Ballet welcomes two new board members
Press release from Dance Alive National Ballet
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Board of Directors of Dance Alive National Ballet is delighted to announce that Tara Blythe and Joseph Ehler have joined the Board of Directors of DANB. Both of the new board members have talents that will assist the organization in this period of growth and change.
Joseph Ehler is a designer, technologist, and strategic consultant whose work spans digital product, research, operations, and organizational systems. He has helped shape technology and service experiences for organizations including PwC, Philosophie, Sago, and Mocingbird, bringing a practical, human-centered approach to helping institutions modernize while preserving the people, relationships, and history that make them meaningful.
A native of Yuma, Arizona, Joseph’s early career included service as a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy, with time stationed in Italy and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his military service, he pursued his creative interests through photography and design, studying photography at the Academy of Art University and design at General Assembly.
Now based in Gainesville, Joseph has become closely involved with Dance Alive National Ballet during an important season of growth and transition. He is especially drawn to Dance Alive’s role as both a professional ballet company and a community institution — a place where artists, students, families, patrons, and neighbors gather around a shared love of dance. He is honored to support the organization’s continued evolution, including its future at the Khoury Family Center for the Arts.
Tara Blythe is an executive advisor, organizational strategist, and transformational people and culture leader with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate growth, innovation, leadership development, and change. Her expertise spans organizational development, executive leadership, communications, workforce strategy, and AI-enabled transformation across technology, consulting, higher education, and service-focused industries.
In addition to her executive leadership work, Tara has a background in advancement, executive education, community engagement, and fundraising through her work with the University of Florida and various nonprofit initiatives. She is passionate about helping organizations build meaningful connection, long-term sustainability, and lasting impact.
Tara serves as adjunct faculty in Executive Education at the University of Florida and is a frequent speaker on leadership, culture, innovation, and the future of work. She holds an SPHR certification and advanced degrees in Business Management, Psychology, Leadership, and Adult Education and Organizational Development.
A dedicated advocate for the arts and the Gainesville community, Tara has been actively involved with Dance Alive National Ballet for several years. She participated as a Celebrity Star in the 2021 Champagne Gala and has since served as Co-Chair of the Gala while supporting fundraising and volunteer efforts for the organization. She is honored to support Dance Alive’s mission and its exciting future, including the current capital campaign and new arts facility initiative.