provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands and the Captiva Civic Association are proud to announce Lisa Riordan as the recipient of the 2025 Citizen of the Year award, presented by the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce. Riordan’s deep commitment to the Captiva and Sanibel community, her tireless volunteerism, and her inspiring leadership have made a lasting impact – and earned her this well-deserved recognition.
Riordan first visited Captiva over 40 years ago, and since becoming a full-time resident in 2012 has devoted her time, energy, and heart to serving the island she now calls home. With a background in the communications industry as a labor representative in New York, New Jersey and New England, Riordan brought extensive experience in leadership and advocacy—skills she has applied across a wide range of community roles.
Since retiring, Riordan has held numerous volunteer leadership positions on Captiva. She joined her homeowner’s association board in 2013 and recently retired after serving as its president for the past eight years. She is currently President of the Captiva Civic Association (CCA) Board of Governors and also serves on the CCA Foundation Board of Directors, where she is a past president. Additionally, she previously led the Captiva Memorial Library Board as president for four years.
Riordan also serves on the Board of Directors of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and serves as spokesperson for the Protect Captiva coalition. Through these efforts, she continues to lend her voice and leadership to critical conversations and planning that help protect and shape the island’s future.
Riordan currently serves as CFI’s Board Chair, where her vision and leadership continue to guide the organization’s mission of strengthening and supporting the Sanibel and Captiva communities.
In response to receiving the award, Riordan expressed her gratitude, sharing that the recognition is a tribute to the vibrant and collaborative community she’s proud to be a part of. “The real honor,” she said, “is working alongside so many dedicated individuals who care deeply about these islands and their future.”
Riordan extends her sincere thanks to the Board of Directors of CFI and the CCA Board of Governors and her many fellow volunteers and neighbors whose shared passion for community has been the driving force behind so many successful initiatives.
Join us in celebrating Lisa Riordan, Citizen of the Year 2025, and in recognizing the countless ways volunteers like her help shape a stronger, more connected community.
To learn more about CFI or the CCA and how you can support our mission to uplift and empower the local community, please visit mycfi.org and ccacaptiva.org.
About Charitable Foundation of the Islands: The mission of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is to inspire philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration for the vitality of the Island community. CFI has served the Sanibel and Captiva communities since the 1990s through the Francis Bailey Society and was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2011.
About Captiva Civic Association: CCA’s mission is the preservation of the quality of life, ambiance, and environmental integrity of this unique barrier island community. CCA was established in 1936 and incorporated in 1959. It founded the CCA Foundation as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2009.
Leave a Comment