provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Leadership Sanibel–Captiva Class of 2026, a program of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), recently completed two sessions focused on the economic vitality and cultural life of the Sanibel and Captiva community.
The Leadership Sanibel–Captiva program connects and inspires future volunteer leaders of the islands. New residents and emerging volunteer leaders are introduced to the organizations, issues, and community leaders shaping the future of Sanibel and Captiva over six day-long sessions. To date, over 80 percent of the program’s 38 alumni serve on Island boards.
During the Business & Prosperity session on February 18th, participants explored the forces that support a thriving island economy. The day began at ’Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, where Tony Lapi, owner of Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, welcomed the class and shared an overview of the resort’s history and the role hospitality plays in the islands’ economy.
Participants also visited the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, where they toured the museum and learned about its contributions to education, conservation, and the visitor experience on Sanibel.
The class later attended the SanCap Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where they heard presentations from Tamara Pigott of Visit Fort Myers and John Talmage of the Lee County Economic Development Office about tourism trends, regional partnerships, and the economic outlook for Southwest Florida. Following the luncheon, the class participated in a private question-and-answer session with Pigott, Talmage, and John Lai, President and CEO of the SanCap Chamber, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers and explore how collaboration between businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders supports the islands’ economy.
The day concluded at the Shalimar Beach Resort, where Sean Niesel, Leadership Class of 2026, and Kelly Niesel, Leadership Class of 2025, welcomed the class for a tour of the historic property and hosted a small business happy hour bringing together Leadership alumni and local business owners.
The program continued with the Arts & Culture session on March 11th, highlighting the organizations and institutions that contribute to the islands’ vibrant creative community. Participants began the day with a guided tour of the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, learning about the history and preservation of island life.
Thanks to the generosity of Sanibel Carts, which donated transportation for the day, the class traveled by golf cart between locations—adding a fun and uniquely island-inspired element to the experience.
The class then visited BIG ARTS for a behind-the-scenes experience and hands-on art activity, followed by lunch at the Sanibel Public Library and a discussion about the library’s Author Series and its role in connecting the community through literature and the arts.
The session continued with a mini Art Hop, where participants visited local galleries including Odessa Art Gallery, Tower Gallery, and the Rachel Pierce Art Gallery, meeting artists and exploring how creativity and collaboration strengthen the island community.
The day concluded at the Sanibel Community House, where participants learned about the organization’s role as a gathering place for the community. Class member and Sanibel resident Kelley Haas remarked, “The passion displayed by each person who presented to us throughout the day was inspiring. The passion of our community members has been a common thread through all of our sessions”.
“Leadership Sanibel–Captiva is designed to connect emerging leaders with the people, organizations, and issues that shape our community,” said Savannah Kelly, Director of Community Engagement and the program lead for the Charitable Foundation of the Islands.
The Leadership Sanibel–Captiva program brings together community members from diverse professional and civic backgrounds for a multi-month leadership experience focused on the issues, organizations, and leaders shaping the future of Sanibel and Captiva.
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