provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) continues its 2025 Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program with two dynamic sessions focused on the islands’ unique cultural assets and environmental stewardship. These sessions offered participants a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the creative and ecological fabric of Sanibel and Captiva.
Arts & Culture Day: Celebrating Creative Heritage and Community
On March 27, the Leadership Class of 2025 experienced a rich day of learning and exploration through Sanibel and Captiva’s arts and cultural institutions. The session began with a guided tour of the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, led by Museum Director Pam Miner, highlighting the Island’s storied past.
The group continued to BIG ARTS, where Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder and other key staff offered an overview of the organization’s evolution and its impact on local cultural life. Ralph Clark, founder of the Sanibel-Captiva Leadership Program, also spoke on behalf of BIG ARTS, sharing insights into the organization’s history and significance to the community. Participants toured galleries and workshops, learning about the creative programming that supports artists and fosters community engagement.
The class made their way to Captiva, beginning with an overview of the Captiva Civic Association (CCA) from Acting Director Kathryn Sisson, followed by Board Chair Lisa Riordan, who shared the CCA’s role in the community and its connection to the Rauschenberg Gallery. Tom Libonate of the Captiva Island Historical Society then provided a detailed look at the Island’s history. The group continued with a visit to the Old Cemetery and concluded with a special stop at the Chapel by the Sea.
Liaison Dudley Malone, Leadership Class of 2024 alum, coordinated the day’s events and provided helpful context.
Environment Day 2: A Focus on Conservation and Resiliency
On April 8, the program returned its focus to the Islands’ natural environment, exploring conservation and climate resiliency themes. Hosted at CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife), the session began with breakfast and a behind-the-scenes tour of the wildlife hospital and visitor center, led by Executive Director Alison Hussey and staff.
Participants then traveled to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge for a presentation by Kevin Godsea and Toni Westland from the refuge team. Ann-Marie Wildman, Executive Director of the Ding Darling Wildlife Society, provided an overview of the Society’s mission and community impact. The group then enjoyed a tram ride to Captiva Cruises at McCarthy Marina through the preserve. The day concluded with a two-hour boat tour featuring guest speakers, including Captain Chris Wittman from Captains for Clean Water and Chauncey Goss, Chairman of the South Florida Water Management District.
Special thanks to Sanibel Captiva Community Bank for generously sponsoring Environment Day 2 and providing drinks and refreshments aboard the cruise.
Alum liaisons Bailie Johnson and Kyle DeCicco helped lead the day, ensuring participants gained maximum insight into the critical work to protect and restore the region’s ecosystems.
Equipping Leaders for the Islands’ Future
“These two sessions showcase what makes Sanibel and Captiva truly special—our vibrant creative community and the deep commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Dolly Farrell, CFI Executive Director. “The Leadership Program continues to prepare the next generation of nonprofit and civic leaders with meaningful, hands-on experiences.”
The 2025 program concludes later this month with a final session and a closing celebration on April 29, sponsored by the Bank of the Islands. A limited number of tickets are available. To purchase, please email leadership@sancapcfi.org.
For more information on the CFI Leadership Program, visit mycfi.org/leadership.
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