Lisa Riordan Begins Term as Board Chair of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands

Sanibel, FL (February 21, 2025) - The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) Board of Directors will see several changes in 2025 as the Executive Committee transitions to a new slate of officers, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles. This includes Lisa Riordan (Chair), Doug Congress (Vice Chair), John Morse (Secretary), and Mike Bennett (Treasurer). Chip Roach will serve as Immediate Past Chair after completing five years of service as CFI’s Board Chair.   

Lisa Riordan, who previously served as CFI Board Secretary and Vice Chair, replaces Chip Roach. Riordan is the Foundation's second woman Chair and the first Captivian to serve in this role. Riordan spent many years in the communications industry before beginning her 25-year career in labor representation. A New York native, she has been a Captiva resident since 2012 and serves as president of the Captiva Civic Association Board of Governors. She is also a director of the Captiva Civic Association Foundation as well as the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).  

Doug Congress will be stepping into the role of Vice Chair as he begins his second three-year term on the board. He most recently served as CFI's Treasurer (2021-2024). Doug also currently chairs the Investment Advisory Committee overseeing the small business loan program launched in 2024. With over 30 years of experience serving as an executive officer and owner of several businesses, Congress's background includes business operations, finance, administration, and public accounting. He has also served on the Sanibel School Foundation Board, the Kiwanis Club of Sanibel, and the Board of the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce. He is also a former Vice-Mayor of the Sanibel Island City Council.  

John Morse will continue as Board Secretary and Chair of CFI's Nominating and Governance Committee. A retired attorney, Morse has redrafted the bylaws for several Island organizations. He is a long-time Kiwanis Club member and currently serves as the Board Chair of F.I.S.H.of SanCap (Chair) and treasurer of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. Morse and his wife Kay have been Sanibel residents since 2005.  

Mike Bennett will be stepping into the role of Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. Mike currently serves on CFI's grants and fundraising/marketing committee. Michael and his wife Margie are winter residents of Captiva. He hails from Arnold's Park, Iowa. Michael presently serves as Chairman of OCI N.V. They are a leading producer and distributor of nitrogen projects providing sustainable solutions to agricultural and industrial customers worldwide.

Miike has been a board member of Chapel by the Sea, serving as President in 2019 and 2020. In 2025, Mike assumed the role of President of the Captiva Civic Association (CCA). He has also served his community in a variety of capacities, including Morningside College Board of Directors from 2005-2015 (chairman 2012-2104), United Way of Siouxland (campaign chair 2008), Boys Scouts of America Mid-America Council Board of Trustees, and the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. Michael is married to his wife Margie. They have four children and eight grandchildren.  

Charles (Chip) Roach will transition into Immediate Past Chair for 2025 after five years of dedicated service. Roach, a native of suburban Philadelphia and a graduate of Notre Dame, has an extensive background in real estate. He recently served on board the Captiva Chapel by the Sea and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. In 2024, Chip was honored as the Volunteer of the Year by the Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce as well as CFI being named Organization of the Year. He and his wife of over 60 years, Nancy, have been Sanibel residents since 2007.   

Community Conversation Outlines the Powerful Benefits of Donor-Advised Funds in Planning your Philanthropy

Sanibel, FL — [February 19, 2025] — The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company and the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) hosted a Community Conversation on February 11, 2025, in honor of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary, celebrating the island’s history of philanthropy. CFI is also celebrating a milestone this year as its parent organization the Good Neighbor Fund was formalized in 2000 by Islanders led by Francis Bailey.  

Attendees engaged in discussions on giving strategies, nonprofit sustainability, and the evolving role of charitable foundations. The event highlighted charitable giving accounts, and specifically donor-advised funds (DAFs), a key tool for impactful giving. DAFs are one of the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicles because they offer an easy, efficient way to support nonprofits.  CFI has offered DAFs and other charitable giving accounts since its incorporation in 2011, currently managing nearly $8M in DAFs from 12 community members.  

Sanibel President Jeff Muddell led the discussion, emphasizing how DAFs help donors maximize their impact while maintaining giving flexibility and oftentimes avoid capital gains during triggering events such as a sale of a home, business or appreciated stock. “Sanibel and Captiva’s legacy of generosity has shaped our community for decades,” said Muddell. “Through Donor-Advised Funds and strategic philanthropy, we can continue that tradition, ensuring nonprofits receive the support they need to thrive.” 

DAFs are unique charitable giving accounts because they allow individuals, families, or organizations to donate money and receive an immediate tax deduction, then recommend grants to nonprofits gradually. The donated assets can be invested and potentially grow tax-free over time. The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company currently monitors all CFI investments. Another benefit to DAFs is currently there is no required minimum to donate annually unlike private foundations. One benefit is that the Charitable Foundation of the Islands assumes the administrative tasks for you including the distribution of grants, collection of impact reports and filing the necessary paperwork with the IRS.  Anonymity can be honored as well if you choose. 

During the event, CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell announced that the minimum to open a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) will be lowered to $10,000 for 2025 in honor of the 25th anniversary of the formalization of the Good Neighbor Fund. Previously, the minimum was $25,000. Additionally, CFI introduced a new community impact fund, the Good Neighbor Council, that operates similarly to a DAF and allows individuals to pool their donations and collectively award grants twice a year.  

 For more information, visit www.MyCFI.org or email CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell at (239) 703-3226.  

About Charitable Foundation of the Islands: (MyCFI.org) 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.  

CFI Prepares Next Generation of Leaders with 2025 Class

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) continues its mission to strengthen the Sanibel and Captiva communities through philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration. A key initiative under the "leadership" pillar is the annual Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program. This immersive eight-week program is designed to equip 15 emerging leaders with a deeper understanding of the Islands' history, challenges, and opportunities, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the community. 

Now in full swing, the 2025 Leadership Program has successfully completed its first three sessions: the Opening Session (January 7), Government Day (January 29), and Business & Community Prosperity Day (February 11). Each session features discussions with influential community leaders and behind-the-scenes insights into the workings of the Islands. 

CFI launched the program in 2021 under the leadership of inaugural chair Ralph Clark, and it has already shown results. Twenty-four members have completed the program, and more than 1/2 now serve in leadership roles in local nonprofit organizations and civic groups.    

“The program provides participants with invaluable knowledge that they can apply in their current and future leadership roles,” said Ken Washuta, CFI Board Member and Chair of the Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program. “It’s an investment in the future of our community, and directly aligned with our Leadership Class mission of connecting and inspiring the future volunteer leaders of the islands." 

Highlights from the 2025 Leadership Program So Far 

The Opening Session on January 7th featured a dynamic conversation between Sanibel’s first mayor, Porter Goss, and his son, CFI Board Member Chauncey Goss. Sponsored by Bank of the Islands, this session set the stage for participants to gain historical insights and inspiration from those who have shaped the Islands. 

Pam Norton, Leadership Class of 2025 member, reflected on the Opening Session, saying, "This is a truly amazing opportunity to learn more about the Islands, and it was motivational for me on how important it is to be engaged in the community." 

Ken Washuta, Melissa Halliburton, and Audrey Stewart served as liaisons for this session, ensuring a smooth and impactful experience for all participants. 

The Leadership program plays a vital role in shaping future Island leaders, providing participants with the knowledge, connections, and inspiration needed to make a lasting impact on the Islands communities.  

On January 28th, Government Day provided an inside look at the decision-making processes of local government, featuring an in-depth overview of the Sanibel Plan by Craig Chandler and facilitated conversations with Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson, City Manager Dana Souza, Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane, Planning Commission Members Kate Sergeant and Erika Steiner, Sanibel Library’s Amber Cox, and Captiva Community Panel’s David Mintz. Nancy Elting served as the class liaison for the day, helping to guide discussions and provide valuable context. 

“Porter Goss was just 35 when he led the creation of the City of Sanibel,” noted Mayor Johnson. “We need the next generation to step up now.” 

Lathan Cram, Leadership Class of 2025 member, reflected on the experience, saying, "My biggest takeaway was that it really 'takes a village.' There are so many moving pieces behind the scenes. I appreciated how open the speakers were in sharing some of the challenges and processes behind the scenes." 

Having an inside look into the City of Sanibel's operations was invaluable for the class, offering a deeper understanding of the city's past initiatives and future plans. 

February 11th marked Business & Community Prosperity Day at Tween Waters Resort and Spa, made possible by the generous sponsorship of Tony Lapi. The session explored the economic landscape of the Islands, with industry leaders offering perspectives on sustaining a prosperous, community-focused business environment. Melissa Halliburton, Brian Rist, and Audrey Stewart served as the liaisons for this session, helping facilitate discussions and providing valuable insights. 

"This session provided a deeper understanding of the economic landscape of the Islands and the importance of fostering a strong, sustainable community," Arielle Cohen Leadership Class of 2025 member.  

The Leadership Class had the opportunity to hear from key leaders throughout Lee County, gaining valuable insights into the economic status of the Islands and learning from industry experts. 

Upcoming Sessions & Community Impact 

The program continues with the first of two Environment Days on February 25th, hosted by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF). Participants will tour the Island Water Association, visit the SCCF Marine Lab, and engage in beach restoration and resiliency at Dixie Beach with Coastal Watch. Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is the proud sponsor of this year’s Environment Days. "Investing in future leaders who are passionate about environmental stewardship is essential for the Islands' long-term sustainability," said Kyle DeCicco, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank President. 

Upcoming sessions include Community Resources Day (March 11), Water Quality Day (April 8th), and Arts & Culture Day (March 27), all leading up to the program’s closing dinner sponsored by the Bank of the Islands April 29th.  

CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell emphasized the program’s impact: “Our goal is to connect passionate individuals with opportunities to lead, whether by serving on nonprofit boards or taking on other influential community roles.” Since its inception in 2021, 24 individuals have completed the program, with more than half now serving in leadership positions across local nonprofits and civic groups. 

The class will complete six immersion days covering key community topics, culminating in a celebratory graduation reception on April 29th.  

"The need for strong, committed leaders has never been greater," said CFI Board Chair Lisa Riordan. "Hurricane Ian reinforced the importance of stepping up, and this program is a vital pipeline for developing the next generation of leaders who will shape our Islands’ future.” 

For more information on the CFI Leadership Program, visit mycfi.org/leadership. 

About Charitable Foundation of the Islands 

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is dedicated to fostering philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration for a vibrant Sanibel and Captiva community. Rooted in the Francis Bailey Society’s legacy since the 1990s, CFI officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2011. Learn more at charitablefoundationoftheislands.org. 

32 Island Businesses Awarded Hurricane Relief thanks to Generous Donors to the Sanibel-Captiva Hurricane Recovery Fund

SANIBEL, Fla. [February 16, 2025]—Thirty-two independently owned businesses on the islands have received grants of up to $10,000 each for post-hurricane recovery, the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) announced this month. This program is in addition to the low-interest loan program CFI launched in 2024 in partnership with the Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. 

CFI reactivated the Sanibel-Captiva Recovery Fund last fall in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton. The foundation thanks the community for committing more than $266,000 for the fund led by a $125,000 match challenge by an anonymous donor. 

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for every donor who stepped up to help us meet this ambitious matching gift challenge,” said Dolly Farrell, Executive Director of CFI. “These funds will have a transformative impact on our local businesses, ensuring they have the resources they need to recover and thrive.” 

The grant program is administered by FISH of SanCap with staff assistance from the Sanibel Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. With the triple whammy of hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton impacting small businesses the most, these grants are crucial for recovery. FISH of SanCap Executive Director Maria Espinoza noted, “We at FISH know all too well the barriers to recovery people are facing. This program also allows us to share information about individual assistance available to business employees. It’s been a win-win.”