Leadership Class of 2025

Celebrating the Leadership Class of 2025

Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Class of 2025 set for deep dive into community

Sanibel, FL – November 4, 2024 –The Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Planning Committee is honored and excited to present the Class of 2025.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) created the program to prepare and encourage the next generation of leaders and volunteers. Members of the previous class served on the planning committee and helped select the 2025 participants. Throughout the program the class will experience six immersion days during which they will gain in-depth knowledge of how the island functions, including briefings on government, environment, arts and culture, business, and community resources. The program emphasizes skill development in areas such as strategic thinking, effective communication, and community engagement.

“We are thrilled to welcome this talented group of individuals into the 2025 Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program,” said Ken Washuta, Planning Committee Chair and Class of 2024 participant. “Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly enrich the program and contribute to their growth as leaders.”

The program begins December 4 with a brief Meet & Greet to connect with one another as they begin their journey together, followed by an invite-only Opening Session and Reception on January 7, 2025 led by Porter Goss and Chauncey Goss.  The program runs through April 29, 2025, culminating with a “graduation” celebratory reception and class feedback session.  

For details on the program, visit mycfi.org/leadership.

The Leadership program planning committee is proud to announce the members of the Class of 2025 who will experience six, day-long, deep-dive sessions ranging from government to arts and culture with the rare opportunity to go “behind the scenes” to explore the resources and issues affecting Sanibel and Captiva’s quality of life and future.

BRAD ANDRES, Private Wealth Advisor & Director of Financial Planning, Northwestern Mutual

Brad Andres is a Private Wealth Advisor and Director of Financial Planning at Northwestern Mutual. Brad is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in multiple states and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Brad graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a B.A. in Public Policy.  He earned a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) from Mercer University. Originally from New Jersey, Brad lived in Dallas, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia before moving to Sanibel in May 2022. Brad served on the Board of Directors (President) at the Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI) until his son graduated from the preschool in May 2024. Brad lives on island with his wife, son, and three dogs.  

JANICE BLOCK CHADDOCK, Retired Lead Counsel

Janice commenced her legal career in Chicago at Kirkland & Ellis, specializing in intellectual property law, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. She advanced to partner roles at several prominent Chicago firms, such as Rudnick & Wolf (now part of DLA Piper) and Greenberg Traurig. In 1998, she transitioned in-house to Microsoft, serving as lead counsel for the Central Region and frequently representing the company in media. Subsequently, Janice became General Counsel for Career Education Corporation, where she embraced the mission of transforming lives through education. In 2006, she joined Kaplan Inc., a global education leader, where she held multiple roles, including Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, overseeing a global team and supporting Kaplan's diverse operations. Janice played a pivotal role in the 2018 sale of Kaplan University to Purdue University, contributing to the establishment of a non-profit institution.

After her tenure at Kaplan, she dedicated herself to various boards and philanthropic organizations, including Aspiritech Corporation and the League of Women Voters of Sanibel. A recognized speaker and writer on education, law, and leadership, Janice has received numerous accolades, including the Woman of Influence Award from the Chicago Business Journal. She holds degrees from Princeton and Northwestern University and earned her Juris Doctor from Columbia University. Janice is married to Ron Chaddock and has three children.

JASON CHIKLAKIS, Vice President, Trust Officer, The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company

Jason Chiklakis is responsible for managing individual and family client relationships, coordinating efforts with internal team members and external advisors to provide the most effective trust and investment services aligned with client goals.  Prior to joining The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, Jason served as Associate Vice President, Trust Officer for several years at FineMark National Bank & Trust in Fort Myers, FL.  He was responsible for demonstrating prudent fiduciary management, ensuring trust accounts are administered in accordance with estate documents and applicable laws, and developing and implementing comprehensive financial plans consistent with client objectives.  Jason is a graduate of The Florida Trust and Wealth Management School and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.

ARIELLE COHEN, Representative, Cohen Sales, LLC 

Arielle Cohen is a new member of the island community, having just recently moved to Sanibel from Dallas, Texas. Although she is a new resident of the island, Arielle has been visiting Sanibel and Captiva since 2006 and even met her husband at Jensen’s on Captiva. They subsequently got engaged and married on Captiva in 2010 and finally achieved their goal of living on the island in 2024. Arielle received her undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and then went on to receive her J.D. from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (now Texas A&M School of Law). Arielle practiced employment law in Dallas before joining her husband, Jason, to work together managing Cohen Sales, LLC, a manufacturer’s representative firm primarily focused on children’s toy sales. While in Dallas, Arielle was involved in her community by volunteering at the North Texas Food Bank, and she is looking forward to serving her new community in Sanibel. 

LATHAN CRAM, Banker, Bank of the Islands/Edison National Bank

Lathan Cram is a dedicated community member of Sanibel and Captiva, committed to fostering growth and sustainability within our local community. With 10 years in the banking industry, three of which have been here in Sanibel and Captiva at Bank of the Islands, Lathan brings a unique perspective to community development through his hands on experience working with many of the local non-profits and businesses daily.

Passionate about the environment and wildlife preservation, as well as local business development, Lathan has been involved in beach clean ups, habitat for humanity home builds, as well as provided financial literacy classes for the Champions for Children Foundation in central Florida. Believing strongly in the power of collective action, Lathan aims to contribute to the vitality of our community by supporting local non-profits and initiatives that enhance the quality of life on our Islands.

Lathan is excited to join the Leadership Program to learn, grow, and collaborate with fellow engaged citizens, aiming to make a lasting impact on Sanibel and Captiva. When not pursuing community service, Lathan enjoys kayaking, hiking, reading and many other activities.

EVAN DUPONT, Real Estate Agent

Evan was born and raised in SW Florida on Sanibel Island and in Fort Myers. Growing up fishing, boating, and beaching the islands, as well as working on Sanibel for his father’s construction company, gave him a love and appreciation for the Islands’ beauty, rich history, and unparalleled lifestyle. After graduation in 2004 from Fort Myers High School, Evan left for Virginia Tech where he received his BA of Science in the fall of 2008. Evan then continued his journey to the Metro D.C. area where he was consistently the area’s top producer while working for one of the nation’s largest Real Estate Investment Trusts; Equity Residential, as well as the nation’s largest timeshare company, Wyndham Worldwide. 
 
Evan wanted to further his career and made the decision that there was no better place than paradise for this next chapter and returned to the area to continue his real estate career on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. 

LAURA GALES, Mental Health Professional

Dr. Laura Gales graduated from Flagler College in 2005 with a bachelor's degree (Psychology & Sociology) and continued her education at Nova Southeastern University where she received a doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. After completing her education Laura worked in a wide range of counseling settings, most notably with Hospice by the Sea on Florida’s east coast and for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a readjustment counselor working with combat veterans from all wartime eras.   

Since moving to Sanibel Island in 2021, Laura has become involved in many aspects of the community while pausing her professional career to focus on raising her family. From August 2022 to May 2024, she served on the Board of Directors at The Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI). After Hurricane Ian decimated its campus the board led the recovery to ensure the school’s reopening in August of 2023. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Tyler, and they have two sons.

DAVID HAAS, Owner & CEO, Haas Financial

David says his career in financial planning started at the age of 12 when his father, who started the family business, asked him to answer the phones in the summertime in exchange for unlimited butterscotch candies.   

David officially launched his formal career at the age of just 19 under the guidance of his father, Chuck Haas, who started the family firm in 1978. In addition to being the owner and CEO of Haas Financial, David also helped start and continues to volunteer at a non-profit which provides a safe environment for people recovering from addiction.   

David married his high school sweetheart, April, and feels blessed to be raising his three kids -- Genevieve, Maggie, and Robbie -- with her on Sanibel.

David’s parents have lived on Sanibel for many years, so it was one of the family of five's planned stops when they left the Land of 10,000 Lakes in Minnesota to explore the country in a travel trailer during Covid. They hadn't planned for it to be their LAST stop, but that's how it worked out. After three months on the island, David and April decided they didn't want to leave and moved their family here permanently in 2021. April operates a boat charter business on Sanibel and David assists her in the operation of the business as well. 

DANE JOHNSON, Owner & Operator, Baileys General Store

Dane is a fourth-generation owner operator of Baileys General Store with his parents as well as two sisters, though currently employed as a Construction Superintendent for Benchmark General Contractors. A graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in Business Dane also holds a USCG Captain’s license, FAA private pilot’s license, as well as an FAA commercial drone license.  

KELLY NIESEL, Registered Nurse, Hotel Operator

Kelly is a proud third-generation native of Fort Myers, Florida, where her love for the coast began at an early age. Growing up, she spent countless days soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful shores of Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach, which shaped her deep connection to the vibrant coastal community. In pursuit of her passion for helping others, Kelly became a licensed practical nurse in 2017 and furthered her education to become a registered nurse in 2019. Her dedication to healthcare reflects her commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Currently, Kelly and her husband are working diligently to rebuild their beloved beach resort on Sanibel Island, which was devastated by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Shalimar Beach Resort holds cherished memories for the Niesel family and the couple as it was the very site of their wedding in 2018. This ambitious project reflects their resilience and commitment to their community, as they work to restore a cherished designation for families and world travelers alike. As a devoted mother to her two young children, Kelly truly cherishes every moment spent with her family in her free time. She also enjoys traveling to explore new cultures, indulging her creative side through crafting, and baking breads that fill her home with warmth. Additionally, she embraces a fun hobby of raising chickens, which adds a touch of farm life to her suburban living. Kelly’s adventurous spirit and nurturing heart shine through in everything she does, making her a beloved figure in her community and a true embodiment of the SWFL lifestyle.

PAM NORTON, Retired Business Owner

A dedicated Florida resident, Pam has spent over six months each year enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Her journey in this picturesque region began in 2008 and has since lived a variety of locations on the Island.

In addition to my life in Florida, Pam maintained a second residence in Hunting Valley, Ohio. She is happily married and proud to be a parent to three children and a grandparent to five grandchildren. After a fulfilling career, she retired in 2014 after successfully selling her business, Century Harley-Davidson, located in Medina, Ohio. My passion for family and the serene lifestyle of Sanibel and Captiva continues to enrich my life.

MATTHEW PIERCE, Software Engineer & Entrepreneur

Matthew Pierce is a retired litigation consultant and software engineer with over 30 years of experience developing innovative software solutions to address the unique challenges faced by legal teams in complex cases.  He began his career in litigation support, founding a nationwide consulting firm and gaining extensive courtroom experience.  Matthew has been a trusted advisor to multinational corporations and top law firms, handling high-profile cases involving intellectual property, antitrust issues, and international border disputes. 

Now retired from his role as a litigation consultant, Matthew focuses on managing several businesses he and his wife operate on Sanibel Island, Florida.  He holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and resides in Sanibel with his wife, four children, and two dogs. 

ILIE RUBY, Writer, Artist & Author

Ilie Ruby is a writer, artist and the author of two novels, The Language of Trees (Harper Collins) and The Salt God’s Daughter (Counterpoint). She holds two master’s degrees and has worked as a writer and editor in educational publishing, as a 5th grade teacher in Los Angeles, and in production on the PBS documentary series, “Out of the Past”, based in Central America. She currently teaches writing and creativity workshops in addition to running her island jewelry company, Odessa Blue,  which she shares with her daughter. Find her at www.ilieruby.com and odessablue.com. 

MILES SWEISS, Entrepreneur

Miles is a native of California and a graduate of UCLA who moved to Sanibel four years ago with his wife Chelsea (a native Floridian) and children. A trained biologist, Miles loves and appreciates the natural beauty of the islands. He is now an entrepreneur operating two small businesses on Sanibel and a member of the Sanibel Captiva Kiwanis Club.  

SUE VAN OSS, Community Leader

Sue served in churches in the Midwest for almost 40 years in Christian Formation and Communications, moving to Florida in 2020 when her husband Bill was called to be the Rector of St. Michael and all Angels Church on Sanibel. Community engagement has been one of her top priorities, connecting with many of the Islands’ outstanding nonprofits, city leaders and especially this past summer with local business owners through the Love Sanibel Back initiative. Sanibel is the most unique place she has ever lived, with a caring community that comes together in good times and especially in the tough times.  Sue and Bill have one child, Luca, who is a community health worker in Chicago.