Leadership Sanibel-Captiva graduation celebrated
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) celebrated the graduation of its Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Class of 2026 during a Closing Session Dinner on May 6 at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel.
The evening recognized 13 emerging and established leaders who completed the immersive community leadership program designed to deepen understanding of the issues, organizations and partnerships shaping the islands.
Through six sessions, participants explored topics including local government, nonprofit collaboration, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, resiliency and recovery, business and tourism, and the unique history and character of the islands.
Leadership Sanibel-Captiva connected class member with nonprofit leaders, business owners, elected officials and community partners working together to strengthen the Sanibel-Captiva community.
“With this graduating class, we now have 51 Leadership alumni — a growing network of engaged and committed leaders in our community,” CFI Director of Community Engagement Savannah Kelly, who led the program for the first time, said. “This program is not just about learning. It’s about building relationships, strengthening collaboration, and inspiring people to continue showing up and making a difference in our community.”
The Class of 2026 included: Shane Antalick, Bronwyn Bergen, Jason Cohen, John Darby, Darnell DeMeola, Whitney Congress Ely, Leigh Gevelinger, Kelley Haas, Jason Halliburton, Ellen Israel, Sharon List, Sean Niesel and Jodi Schwartzel.
The Closing Session Dinner also included recognition of the program’s Island Leadership Committee and Planning Committee members, whose volunteer leadership helped guide each of the sessions.
In addition, CFI introduced three peer-nominated class awards. The recipients of the Island Connector Award were List, Cohen and Bergen. The Spirit of Sanibel-Captiva Award was presented to Gevelinger and Halliburton. Haas received the inaugural Washuta Award, named in honor of Leadership alumnus Ken Washuta, recognizing exceptional engagement and commitment throughout the program.
Leadership Sanibel-Captiva is designed to connect and inspire current and emerging leaders, deepen understanding of local issues, and encourage active civic engagement across Sanibel and Captiva.
For more about the program, visit mycfi.org/leadership.