CFI’s leadership program wraps up sessions
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands’ annual Leadership Sanibel-Captiva program recently concluded for the 13 island residents and employees who participated as the Class of 2024.
The program’s first three sessions focused on Government, Environment, and Health, Wellness and Social Services. Held on Feb. 29, the fourth session concentrated on Business and Community Prosperity. The fifth and final session, which took place on March 7, centered on Arts and Culture.
On Feb. 29, the participants heard from a “who’s who” of local business leaders. SanCap Chamber of Commerce Board Chair and Bailey’s General Store fourth-generation owner-operator Calli Johnson served as moderator as a member of the Class of 2022 and a Leadership Planning Committee member.
The speakers included: chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai; Eric Pfeifer, owner/broker of the Pfeifer Realty Group and Sanibel Planning Commission member; past Sanibel Planning Commission Chair Chuck Ketteman; Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau Executive Director Tamara Pigott; Lee County Economic Development Office Director John Talmage; and Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Board Chairman Tony Lapi, who also sponsored the event.
Discussions centered mainly around the economic recovery of the islands following Hurricane Ian and included issues such as the future of hospitality, timeline for recovery, and current business climate in Lee County and Southwest Florida. The participants also received a tour of the Crow’s Nest Steakhouse and The Shipyard at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa.
CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell closed the session with a talk about the economic revitalization taking place, role of private philanthropy and results of a commissioned business climate survey.
On March 7, the participants learned about the arts on the islands by local experts and leaders. They received a welcome address from BIG ARTS Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder, followed by a gallery tour and an overview of the facility’s history by former Board Member and Building Campaign member Ralph Clark, Gallery Director Wilson McCray and Workshops Manager Aimee Harrison. The group also heard from Sanibel Historical Museum and Village Executive Director Mark Harmon.
Next, the participants headed to Captiva for a tour of the Captiva Civic Association and Captiva Island Historical Society, which included the facilities, library and cemetery. A panel discussion included CCA Executive Director Emily Ankerson, CCA Foundation President Lisa Riordan and CIHS Board Chair Tom Libonate. It ended with a presentation by Rauschenberg Residency Director Ann Brady.
“Forward-thinking programs such as this one ensure that the future of Sanibel and Captiva looks bright. We control our destiny by helping to mold informed leaders who are well-versed in the uniqueness of our island community,” Farrell said. “Saying it’s ‘an investment in our future’ is an understatement.”