SWFL INC. From left, SWFL Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Esposito and Community Housing & Resources Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale at the 2024 INCredible Awards on May 29 in Bonita Springs, where Decker-McHale was named the SWFL Citizen of the Year.

SWFL Inc. recognized Community Housing & Resources Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale as the SWFL Citizen of the Year at its 2024 INCredible Awards on May 29 in Bonita Springs.

The awards are an annual celebration of exceptional leaders and organizations driving economic and community growth in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties. The SWFL Citizen of the Year honors an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the betterment of Southwest Florida.

“On a personal level, I’m deeply honored to receive this award,” Decker-McHale said. “At the same time, I see it as an affirmation of the outstanding work of our entire CHR team.”

A Sanibel resident for three decades, she has played a strategic role in CHR’s fundraising efforts for many years. In May of 2023, Decker-McHale was appointed executive director of the nonprofit.

Board President Roger Grogman said she has been a passionate and committed leader who is spearheading new ideas around affordable housing for the island.

“We are so proud of the outstanding leadership of Nicole and the benefits that her leadership has provided to the CHR team — and, most importantly, to the residents of CHR on Sanibel,” he said.

In addition to her leadership role at CHR, Decker-McHale serves as chair for the Sanibel Public Library District’s Board of Commissioners. She has been an active volunteer and board member for F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva for 10 years, having served in the roles of board chair and secretary.