Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum Announces Two New Board Members

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is pleased to announce two new Trustees with terms beginning in 2026: Sharon Gilkey and Cameron Samuel.

Sharon Gilkey is the Founder and Principal of Montanna Interior Design, a leading interior design firm for over 30 years, working nationally out of offices in Orlando, Naples, and (since 2023) Sanibel. Since joining the Sanibel community, Sharon has become actively involved in the non-profit community and is a generous supporter of the museum. Her experience and expertise in design, marketing, business, and the Naples market align with the museum’s goals.

Cameron Samuel graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Advertising. He began his career in enterprise digital marketing at IPG Mediabrands in New York City, later working across both major and boutique agencies. He went on to serve as Marketing Manager at Party City before joining Congress Jewelers of Sanibel and Fort Myers, where he is now Marketing Director. An avid sheller, New York sports enthusiast, proud Gator, cat parent, and soon-to-be father, Cameron brings a blend of creativity, analytical skill, and community passion to his work.

“The museum is delighted to welcome Sharon and Cameron to the Board,” said Executive Director Sam Ankerson. “They represent a terrific combination of professional expertise, community involvement, and commitment to the Museum’s educational mission.”

Visit ShellMuseum.org/staff-and-board-of-trustees to learn more about the Museum team.

About the Museum: The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium, and the only museum in the United States devoted primarily to shells and mollusks. Its mission is to educate and inspire an understanding of mollusks, their shells, and their habitats using exceptional experiences, collections, and science. Permanent exhibitions on view include the Great Hall of Shells, which displays highlights of the Museum’s collection of more than 600,000 shells, as well as the Living Gallery of Aquariums and over 60 species of marine life. For more information, please visit ShellMuseum.org or call (239) 395-2233.