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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou all experience it every day because we live in paradise, and much of what SCCF is doing is trying to protect this paradise,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cJames 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,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you think about where we are today relative to where we were after (Hurricane) Ian arrived, we\u2019ve really done some amazing things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Evans gave credit for the success over the past few years to having a \u201cstrong and steady\u201d board of trustees to help guide him, as well as a hardworking staff and dedicated volunteers.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur 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,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a special place, and we certainly can\u2019t take that for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Board Treasurer Doug Ryckman focused his report on three themes related to fiscal success.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s strong because the results were good, they were really good. It\u2019s strategic because we\u2019re investing in the things that are really important and they\u2019re going to matter in the future,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd, it\u2019s vigilant because we\u2019re good stewards right now, the resources you\u2019ve given us, and we\u2019re trying to protect and grow them for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ryckman compared what he sees at the SCCF to what he experienced in his professional career as a management consultant.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve seen a lot of nonprofit organizations and a lot of for-profit organizations. And SCCF is truly an extraordinary place,\u201d he said. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
In other highlights:<\/p>\n
\u2013 SCCF Development Director Cheryl Giattini inducted new members into the Legacy Society, including Bryant and Laura Korn, Lynn Bassett McGrath, and Karen Turner.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Trustee Sandra Gross introduced Gretchen Scharnagl as the winner of the SCCF\u2019s \u201cDing\u201d Darling Brush of Excellence Environmental Art Award for her intricate drawings and artworks that incorporate science, history, culture and natural materials.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Trustees Bob Brooks and Megan Doss stepped off the board, while Khakee, Gross and Dick Bourdow joined the 15-member board.<\/p>\n
\u2013 The new executive committee was elected, with Khakee as president, Scott Hendershot as vice president, Ryckman as treasurer, and Calli Johnson duPont as secretary.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Trustee Rachel Pierce introduced the Discover Conservation in Action marketing campaign to increase regional awareness, volunteering, educational program attendance and donations.<\/p>\n
In wrapping up the past year, Evans brought it back to the tight-knit community and SCCF family.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is the warmth of the community that allows us to do the incredible work that we do here at SCCF,\u201d he said. \u201cOn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n