Kristen Coury Named to Florida Trend’s Florida 500 for Second Consecutive Year

Kristen Coury Named to Florida Trend’s Florida 500 for Second Consecutive Year

Annual list recognizes Florida’s most influential business leaders across industries, including arts and culture

Gulfshore Playhouse Founder, CEO & Producing Artistic Director Kristen Coury has been named to Florida Trend’s 2026 Florida 500, marking her second consecutive year receiving the distinction. The annual publication recognizes 500 of the most influential executives across Florida’s economic sectors, selected through an extensive, year-long research process conducted by the magazine’s editors.

Kristen is recognized in the Sports/Arts category for her leadership in building Gulfshore Playhouse into one of Southwest Florida’s leading cultural institutions. Since founding the professional regional theatre company in 2004, she has guided its growth from a one-person operation into an organization with a staff of 115 and an annual budget of $15 million.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Florida Trend for a second consecutive year. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is what it represents beyond any one individual. Gulfshore Playhouse has grown because of the dedication of an extraordinary team, the generosity of our supporters, and a community that believes in the importance of professional theatre and arts education. We’re looking forward to all that lies ahead for Gulfshore Playhouse and the Naples community.”
– Kristen Coury, Founder, CEO & Producing Artistic Director, Gulfshore Playhouse

A defining milestone in that growth was the opening of the $78 million Baker Theatre and Education Center in downtown Naples. The 40,000-square-foot facility is now home to Gulfshore Playhouse’s professional productions, educational programs, and a growing range of community activities. The center includes a 350-seat mainstage theatre, a studio theatre, rehearsal and event spaces, and dedicated facilities for arts education.

Under Kristen’s leadership, Gulfshore Playhouse has expanded its programming beyond professional theatrical productions to include educational opportunities for students ages 5 to 18, as well as programs for adults. The organization continues to bring Broadway-caliber talent and productions to Naples while creating opportunities for local audiences to engage with theatre both on and off the stage.

The Florida 500 recognizes leaders whose influence extends across their respective industries and throughout the state. Kristen’s inclusion for a second consecutive year reflects the continued growth of Gulfshore Playhouse and its expanding role in the cultural and civic life of Southwest Florida.

For more information about the 2026 Florida 500, visit Florida Trend’s Florida 500.