CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS
\nFrom left, front row, Leadership Sanibel & Captiva Class of 2026 participants Leigh Gevelinger, Whitney Congress, Kelley Haas, Sharon List, Ellen Israel and Darnell DeMeola Fatigati with Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) Executive Director Dolly Farrell; and, back row, CFI Director of Community Engagement Savannah Kelly with participants Sean Niesel, Jodi Schwartzel, Jason Cohen, Bronwyn Bergen, Jason Halliburton, John Darby and Shane Antalick.<\/p>\n
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) launched the Leadership Sanibel & Captiva Class of 2026 with the Opening Session on Jan. 15, held in conjunction with the SanCap Chamber\u2019s State of the Islands at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers.<\/p>\n
The day began with program participants attending the State of the Islands, where they received updates on local government, business and community priorities impacting the islands.<\/p>\n
Afterward, they reconvened for lunch and a facilitated conversation featuring first Sanibel Mayor Porter Goss and his son, Chauncey Goss, who led a question-and-answer dialogue with his father. They shared personal reflections on the city\u2019s early days, lessons from public service and perspectives on what it means to lead effectively on the islands.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeadership Sanibel & Captiva is designed to connect people who care deeply about this community and provide them with the insight, relationships and perspective needed to lead with intention,\u201d program Director and CFI Director of Community Engagement Savannah Kelly said. \u201cBeginning the program with State of the Islands and a candid conversation with Porter and Chauncey grounded the class in both the history of Sanibel and the responsibility that comes with community leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked about his biggest takeaway from the Opening Session, participant John Darby emphasized the essential role of service in the island community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe island is run on volunteers \u2014 that is apparent,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Participant Whitney Congress reflected on the opportunity to learn directly from island leaders.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have an incredible island leadership and volunteer community,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was amazing to hear Porter speak about the inception of the city, his role, his memories and his insights on what it means to be a sound leader.\u201d<\/p>\n
The next session, Community Resource Day, was set for Jan. 28. It focused on nonprofit services, volunteerism and community collaboration, and it concluded with the CFI\u2019s annual Volunteer Expo.<\/p>\n
For more about the program, visit mycfi.org\/leadership<\/a>.<\/p>\n