CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands will see several changes in 2024 as the board’s Executive Committee transitions to a new slate of officers, including Chair Charles “Chip” Roach, Vice Chair and Chair-Elect Lisa Riordan, Secretary John Morse and Treasurer Doug Congress.

“The leadership team of CFI embodies all that is good about Sanibel and Captiva,” CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell said. “Individually their exceptional experience and skills provide innovative leadership and creativity to our work. Collectively they are smart, dedicated, and willing to do what it takes to make sure our community thrives. Without them, CFI wouldn’t be the force that it is today.”

Chair since 2018, Roach will continue in the role through this year and then transition to immediate past board chair in 2025. A native of suburban Philadelphia and a graduate of Notre Dame, Roach has an extensive background in real estate. He also served on the board of the Captiva Chapel by the Sea and recently completed his service on the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation board. Roach and his wife have been Sanibel residents since 2007.

Previously serving as secretary, Riordan replaces Melissa Congress, who recently completed a decade of service. She also chairs the Nonprofit Education and Engagement Committee. Riordan spent many years in the communications industry before beginning her 25-year career in labor representation. A New York native, she has been a Captiva resident since 2012 and serves on the SCCF board. Riordan has served as the chair of the Captiva Civic Association, currently chairs its Land Use Committee and is president of the CCA Foundation Board.

Morse also chairs the Nominating and Governance Committee. He practiced corporate and real estate law for 49 years, having recently retired. Morse currently serves on the boards of F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva — returning this year as its chair — F.I.S.H. Foundation and the SCCF, and he has served as president or board chair of all three organizations. Morse and his wife have been full-time Sanibel residents since 2005.

Congress will remain as treasurer for a second three-year term. With over 30 years of experience serving as an executive officer and owner of several businesses, his background includes business operations, finance, administration and public accounting. Congress has also served on The Sanibel School Foundation board, Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club and Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce board, and he was elected to the Sanibel City Council and served as vice mayor.

There will also be changes to the leadership of the CFI’s committees:

– Jeff Muddell will take over as Fundraising Committee chair for recently retired and founding Board Member Tony Lapi.

– Rachel Pierce will take on the role of Marketing Committee chair, replacing Tom Libonate who remains on the board.

– Eric Pfeifer will take on the role of chair for the newly-formed Economic Revitalization Committee.