provided to The Santiva Chronicle
A yearly spring ritual at the SanCap Chamber annual meeting, on April 30, the board of directors welcomed its new chair for 2025-26 as it recognized the accomplishments of the outgoing chair when JR Ramirez passed the gavel on to Katy Forret.
“This year’s transition was, perhaps, one of the most poignant as we thanked JR for his trademark steadfast leadership throughout a year of recovery and setbacks,” said John Lai, chamber president and chief executive officer. “At the same time, Katy brings her loyalty, optimism, and energy to the position as we move into the next phase of reinvention and renaissance.”
Ramirez, general manager of Casa Ybel Resort, celebrates his 30th year at the landmark property in 2025. He started in the housekeeping department in November 1995, moving on to various positions within the property as growth opportunities became available.
“I found my niche in the administrative department, where I was exposed to all aspects of the resort,” he said. “I was promoted from assistant controller to director of operations in 2004 and then general manager in 2007.”
Ramirez reveres Casa Ybel as more than just a resort, but also a part of the island’s history that has welcomed generations of visitors to create memories here, and many locals to launch their careers .
“We serve as a landmark of hospitality on Sanibel, and our presence supports the broader tourism ecosystem — from local restaurants and shops, cultural institutions and events to environmental and wildlife conservation education,” Ramirez said. “We’re proud to be one of the cornerstones of this community. Like many properties on Sanibel Island, we are committed to preserving what makes us unique and will continue to guide change in a way that honors the island’s core character.”
Ramirez joined the chamber board in 2019 to represent island accommodations and took the leadership chair in 2024.
“I saw it as an opportunity to give back to a community that’s been amazing to me and my family,” he said. “The chamber plays a critical role in the islands’ resilience and long-term sustainability. I feel the chamber is the connective tissue that keeps the community informed, supported, and moving forward together toward a shared vision. As I pass the baton to Katy, I do so with great confidence and gratitude, knowing the chamber is in great hands. … I’ve seen her in action — her work ethic and her engagement with the community. She is in the perfect position to help this community continue to thrive.”
“I’m honored to step into the board chair role after JR,” said Forret, general manager for Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. “I hope to bring empathy, focus, and steadiness to the position—and to continue supporting the mission with care and intention.”
She started with Doc Ford’s in 2012 as a host at the Fort Myers Beach location, then moved to the original Sanibel location on Rabbit Road in 2015 as a server. She later worked her way upwards to become a manager as the restaurant moved to its current location, then general manager in 2019.
“From the beginning, I fell in love with the culture and knew I could have a career with the company,” Forret said. “We were faced with many challenges the last couple of years. Honestly, it was the trust and support from the top down, the loyalty and heart of our staff, and the strength of this community. That’s what kept me grounded through it all.”
When COVID hit the community’s economy and wellbeing, Forret stepped in to help as a member of the SanCap Chamber board of directors.
“[Doc Ford’s co-owners] Marty and Brenda Harrity have always believed that wherever we operate, we should give back, support, and truly immerse ourselves in the community—and that’s what leads to success. I’ve followed their lead and fully believe in that mission,” Forret said. “I have learned so much from John [Lai] and his team at the chamber, all of the board members I have served with, and everyone in the community. That was my incentive, seeing all the good things the people in the San Cap community do made me want to do the same.”
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