The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that its Annual Membership Meeting on Dec. 9 celebrated the community support and success over the past hurricane-free year, while keeping a vigilant eye on the future.

In his welcome at the Bailey Homestead Preserve on Sanibel, SCCF Board President Nik Khakee thanked everyone for their volunteerism, financial support and being part of the community.

“You all experience it every day because we live in paradise, and much of what SCCF is doing is trying to protect this paradise,” he said.

As he introduced James Evans, who took over the helm as chief executive officer in 2022, Khakee commended Evans and his team for their accomplishments over the past three years.

“James stepped into leadership for SCCF at a really pivotal time and has led us through some really challenging circumstances, and we have come through them with flying colors,” he said. “If you think about where we are today relative to where we were after (Hurricane) Ian arrived, we’ve really done some amazing things.”

Evans gave credit for the success over the past few years to having a “strong and steady” board of trustees to help guide him, as well as a hardworking staff and dedicated volunteers.

“Our community comes together to support the incredible work that we do, but also to support this way of life that we have here on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and in our region,” he said. “It’s a special place, and we certainly can’t take that for granted.”

Evans also said that despite the progress, local wildlife and ecosystems are under constant threat from development pressure, especially following the recent string of hurricanes that have led to unprecedented redevelopment.

Board Treasurer Doug Ryckman focused his report on three themes related to fiscal success.

“It’s strong because the results were good, they were really good. It’s strategic because we’re investing in the things that are really important and they’re going to matter in the future,” he said. “And, it’s vigilant because we’re good stewards right now, the resources you’ve given us, and we’re trying to protect and grow them for the future.”

Ryckman compared what he sees at the SCCF to what he experienced in his professional career as a management consultant.

“I’ve seen a lot of nonprofit organizations and a lot of for-profit organizations. And SCCF is truly an extraordinary place,” he said. “We have a committed and capable CEO. We have a high-functioning and collaborative board. And, we have an enthusiastic staff and a really terrific supportive community.”

In other highlights:

– SCCF Development Director Cheryl Giattini inducted new members into the Legacy Society, including Bryant and Laura Korn, Lynn Bassett McGrath, and Karen Turner.

– Trustee Sandra Gross introduced Gretchen Scharnagl as the winner of the SCCF’s “Ding” Darling Brush of Excellence Environmental Art Award for her intricate drawings and artworks that incorporate science, history, culture and natural materials.

– Trustees Bob Brooks and Megan Doss stepped off the board, while Khakee, Gross and Dick Bourdow joined the 15-member board.

– The new executive committee was elected, with Khakee as president, Scott Hendershot as vice president, Ryckman as treasurer, and Calli Johnson duPont as secretary.

– Trustee Rachel Pierce introduced the Discover Conservation in Action marketing campaign to increase regional awareness, volunteering, educational program attendance and donations.

In wrapping up the past year, Evans brought it back to the tight-knit community and SCCF family.

“It is the warmth of the community that allows us to do the incredible work that we do here at SCCF,” he said. “On behalf of our trustees, our staff, all of our hardworking volunteers, from the bottom of our hearts, I want to thank you for supporting our work here at SCCF and for protecting those natural systems that bring us so much joy.”

To reach SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, please email