FERNANDINA, FL, August 26, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Richard A. Restiano, Sr., has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Restiano's distinguished career in arts administration, photography and community leadership spans several decades and is marked by a series of influential roles and entrepreneurial ventures. Since 2024, he has served as president and chief executive officer of Nassau Council of Arts and Culture, Inc., a non-profit organization he established to foster art opportunities and experiences for residents, businesses and cultural tourism throughout Nassau County, FL. His vision for the council emerged after his tenure as chairman of Arts and Culture Nassau from 2022 to 2023, where he worked closely with representatives from various artistic disciplines to support local businesses on Amelia Island.

From 2018 to 2021, Mr. Restiano was president of Kraft Tennis Partners in Amelia Island, Florida, demonstrating his commitment to both the arts and athletics within his community. Before this, he held the position of director of operations and strategic alliances at Affinitas Life, now Agewell Solvere Living, in New York City from 2017 to 2018. In this capacity, he developed partnerships and operational strategies that enhanced the organization's service offerings.

Between 2012 and 2016, Mr. Restiano was general manager at Holiday Retirement Corporation, now Holiday by Atria, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His leadership contributed to the company's recognition as Best Senior Living: Caring Stars 2017 by Caring, LLC in 2016. He also served as a partner at Arista Camera & Imaging from 2010 to 2011, furthering his expertise in imaging services.

Mr. Restiano's extensive experience in marketing and photography is highlighted by his roles at Olan Mills, Inc., now Shutterfly Lifetouch, LLC. He was vice president and chief marketing officer from 2008 to 2010, following his service as vice president of advertising and commerce from 1994 to 2003. During these years, he played a pivotal role in expanding the company's market presence following the sale of his school accounts to Olan Mills, Inc., where he had previously been instrumental in developing marketing strategies. As an integral part of Olan, he managed 400,000 customer databases using Group 1 software.

From 2003 to 2008, Mr. Restiano was vice president of marketing and imaging services at HR Imaging Partners Inc., in Chicago, IL overseeing business development initiatives across multiple markets. He opened several studios throughout the Chicago area to support and expand the HS senior portrait market. Earlier in his career, he owned Park Place Studio from 1983 to 1993 and founded New York Photographic after working as a photographer for the company that produced his college yearbook. Under his leadership, New York Photographic partnered with over 200 schools within a decade before expanding into wedding photography. His son, Richard Jr. currently runs the wedding business in New York.

His professional journey began with a brief tenure at the New York City Board of Education in the South Bronx for six months before fully dedicating himself to photography and business management.

Throughout his career, Mr. Restiano has been actively involved in industry organizations. He is a past president of The Professional Photographers' Society of New York State, reflecting his longstanding commitment to advancing professional standards within the field.

Mr. Restiano's academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in education with a concentration in theatre from Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus in New York City, earned in 1970. While at Fordham University, he served as yearbook editor, a role that sparked his enduring interest in photography, and received the Male Leadership Award upon graduation. He also holds a teacher's license from the New York City Department of Education. His educational background has been instrumental in shaping his approach to leadership and community engagement.

Civic involvement has been central to Mr. Restiano's life. He is the founder of the Arts Leaders Forum under Nassau Council of Arts and Culture, Inc., providing advocacy, education, support and collaboration among 25+ nonprofit art and culture organizations in the county since 2022. Additionally, he has served as vice president and secretary of the Island Village Owners Association on Amelia Island since 2020. He has been a board member for the American Cancer Society since 1992. His previous civic roles include board member for The Rocky Hill Chamber of Commerce from 2012 to 2016, marketing board member for Allied Arts from 2008 to 2010, fund allocations chairman for The Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester, Tuckahoe from 1989 to 1992, president of Rotary Club of Bronxville from 1989 to 1990, president of The Professional Photographers' Society of New York State in 1989, vice president of Bronxville Chamber of Commerce from 1987 to 1993, president of Mt. Vernon Lions Club in New York in 1980.

His achievements have been recognized through numerous awards, including Best Senior Living: Caring Stars by Caring LLC in 2016, the Male Leadership Award from Fordham University in 1970, and two-time State winning team captain of the Chattanooga mens' team in the United States Tennis Association in Tennessee.

Born on Staten Island, Mr. Restiano has maintained a lifelong passion for music—playing in bands throughout high school and college—and tennis, which he has enjoyed for over fifty years. He is dedicated to fostering an environment where the arts thrive both personally and professionally.

He is happily married to Joyce, and they have 13 grandchildren. Among his proudest accomplishments is instilling in his four children, two daughters and two sons—the importance of giving back to their community while supporting and cherishing the arts and music.

Looking ahead, Mr. Restiano has recently established the West Nassau Arts Alliance, an organization comprising more than forty independent visual and performing artists, with plans to organize a countywide arts fair that will unite island artists with those from the west side of Nassau County. Through these efforts, he aims to help independent artists gain recognition among residents while ensuring they have opportunities for exposure and appreciation within their community.

Mr. Restiano attributes his success to an unwavering drive to accomplish meaningful goals, coupled with a belief that volunteering is both right and impactful when one possesses skills that can make a difference.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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