PHOTO PROVIDED
\nFISH Official Nominees (top): FISH President & CEO Maggi Feiner; Board Vice Chair and Building Committee Chair Bill Haylels; Board of Directors & JOG N JAM Committee Chair Leah Winkler; (bottom) Executive Director Maria Espinoza and Senior Services Director Erika Arnowitz.<\/p>\n
F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, Inc. (FISH) announces five members of its leadership, staff and board of directors have been officially accepted as nominees for the 2026 ENPY Awards, recognizing their contributions to nonprofit leadership, volunteer service and the Sanibel-Captiva community.<\/p>\n
The ENPY Awards celebrate excellence in Southwest Florida\u2019s nonprofit sector, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work strengthens communities and improves the lives of those they serve. This year\u2019s awards ceremony will take place Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bell Tower in Fort Myers.<\/p>\n
FISH\u2019s five nominees represent nearly every level of the organization, from executive leadership and program development to board service and volunteer involvement. Each brings a different perspective and set of experiences to FISH\u2019s mission of neighbors helping neighbors. <\/p>\n
The 2026 FISH nominees are:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Maggi Feiner, President & CEO | Lifetime Achievement Award<\/p>\n
For over two decades, Feiner has helped guide FISH from a small, largely volunteer-driven organization into a comprehensive social service provider serving Sanibel and Captiva. Her leadership has influenced program growth, community partnerships, disaster response and the organization\u2019s long-term direction. Serving without compensation, Feiner has devoted countless hours to strengthening FISH, mentoring future leaders and helping the organization respond to changing community needs. Her nomination recognizes a career of service, personal commitment and lasting contributions to the islands.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Maria Espinoza, Executive Director | Executive Director of the Year<\/p>\n
Espinoza\u2019s nomination recognizes her leadership during one of FISH\u2019s most demanding periods, following Hurricane Ian and the subsequent storms that affected the islands. While maintaining essential programs and services, she has helped guide the organization\u2019s recovery and the development of its Resiliency Hub. Her work includes coordinating with government agencies, funders, community partners, professional consultants and the FISH board to advance the project while continuing to address the everyday needs of residents and island workers.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Bill Hayles, Board Vice Chair and Building Committee Chair | Volunteer Leadership Award<\/p>\n
Hayles is recognized for his volunteer leadership of FISH\u2019s Building Committee and his extensive involvement in planning the organization\u2019s future Resiliency Hub. Drawing upon his professional experience in operations, construction and large-scale property management, Hayles has helped guide important decisions involving facility design, financial considerations and long-term sustainability. His commitment has been instrumental in moving the project through planning and municipal approvals while keeping the needs of the community at the center of the process.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Leah Winkler, Board Member and JOG N JAM Committee Chair | Volunteer Leadership Award<\/p>\n
Winkler\u2019s nomination honors her dedication to FISH\u2019s signature JOG N JAM fundraising event and her leadership in bringing volunteers, sponsors and community partners together. Since becoming committee chair in 2024, she has helped expand community participation, strengthen business relationships and introduce new ways for everyone to get involved. Her work extends beyond the annual race and beach concert through her involvement on the FISH Board and other organizational committees and activities.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Erika Arnowitz, Senior Services Director | Nonprofit Program Director of the Year<\/p>\n
Arnowitz is recognized for her leadership and continued development of FISH\u2019s Senior Services programs, which help older adults remain independent, connected and supported as they age. Her work includes Meals-by-FISH, Friendly Faces, reassurance calls, medical equipment loans, transportation assistance and other services. She has also expanded programming related to dementia awareness, caregiver support and community safety, while helping bring back the FISH Senior Health Fair in 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving five individuals from FISH recognized among this year\u2019s ENPY nominees is something our entire organization can celebrate,\u201d said Susan Ryckman, FISH Board Chair. \u201cEach has contributed in a different way, and each has helped FISH grow, respond to challenges and continue serving our neighbors. We see their dedication throughout the year, often in work that happens behind the scenes. It is wonderful to see that commitment recognized beyond our islands.\u201d<\/p>\n
The nominations also reflect the importance of volunteer leadership and community involvement in FISH\u2019s work. As the organization celebrates 45 years of neighbors helping neighbors in 2027, it continues to depend on the dedication of its staff, board members, volunteers, donors and community partners to provide services through its four primary areas: Food Programs, Island-Based Education, Senior Services, and Helping Hands.<\/p>\n
Additional information and event registration are available through the 2026 ENPY Awards event page, https:\/\/2026enpyawards.rsvpify.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThese nominations are a wonderful acknowledgment of the people who give so much of themselves to FISH and to our community,\u201d Ryckman added. \u201cRegardless of the outcome in December, we are incredibly proud of all five nominees and grateful for everything they continue to contribute.\u201d<\/p>\n