Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Class of 2025 Announced

Sanibel, FL – November 27, 2024 –The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is honored and excited to present its third class of the Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program.

CFI created the program in 2021 with the mission to connect and inspire the future volunteer leaders of the Islands. Twenty-four members have completed the program thus far with several alumni now serving in leadership roles in local nonprofit organizations and civic groups. Members of the previous classes as well as CFI Board members served on the selection committee and helped select the fifteen 2025 participants.

“We are thrilled to welcome this talented group of individuals into the 2025 Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program,” said Ken Washuta, Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Chair and Class of 2024 participant. “This demographically balanced class with diverse backgrounds and their 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.

Throughout the program the class will experience six immersion days during which they will gain in-depth knowledge of how the islands function, 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.

 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.

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. 

The Leadership program selection 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.

The Leadership program selection 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

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, BOARD MEMBER, FORMER CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER

Janice's legal career began in Chicago at Kirkland & Ellis, where she was a trial lawyer specializing in intellectual property law. After advancing to partner roles at several law firms, Janice transitioned in-house to Microsoft, serving as lead counsel for the U.S. Central Region. Subsequently, Janice became General Counsel for Career Education Corporation.

In 2006, she joined Kaplan Inc., a global education leader which educates more than one million students and professionals annually. At Kaplan, Janice held multiple roles simultaneously, including Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Chief Human Resources Officer. Before retiring from Kaplan, Janice led the sale of online Kaplan University to Purdue University.

Janice has devoted her time since then to serving as a board director of numerous public, non-profit, and charitable organizations. She is the incoming Chair of the technology business Aspiritech Corporation. Locally, Janice serves as president of Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, vice president of the League of Women Voters of Sanibel, secretary of the Beachview Neighborhood Association, and is a member of the FORUM committee of BIG ARTS. She holds a bachelor's degree from Princeton, a master's from Northwestern, and a juris doctorate from Columbia University. Janice is married to Ron Chaddock and has three children.

JASON CHIKLAKIS, WEALTH MANAGEMENT

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, SALES & MANUFACTURING

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, COMMUNITY BANKER

Lathan Cram is eager to engage in bettering our island community through the CFI Leadership Class. He has been particularly involved in conservation and sustainability work on Sanibel's beaches and wildlife habitat. His volunteer experience also includes financial literacy programs. With 10 years in the banking industry, Lathan has enjoyed the last three here on Sanibel at Bank of the Islands.

EVAN DUPONT, REAL ESTATE

Evan was born and raised in SW Florida on Sanibel Island and in Fort Myers. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech, he spent several years working for a publicly traded REIT in our nation's capital and the Metro-DC market. Returning to Sanibel in 2013 to continue his real estate career on the Islands, Evan found his stride with John Naumann & Associates where he became a consistent top producer on the islands and partner in the brokerage. Today he continues to excel in our market under the Berkshire Hathaway umbrella and is recognized as part of the "top 1/2 of the top 1%" in the Berkshire Hathaway network.

LAURA GALES, MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST

Laura Gales grew up in Southwest Florida and has always had a deep love for Sanibel Island. After graduating high school locally, she attended Flagler College receiving her bachelor's degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. Laura then continued her education at Nova Southeastern University where she received a doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. After completing her education Laura married her high school sweetheart, Tyler Gales. She then continued her professional career as a readjustment counselor for the Department of Veterans Affairs working with combat veterans and their families. After the birth of her oldest son, she put her career on hold to focus on her family.

Laura and Tyler always wanted to move to Sanibel Island to raise their family and send their kids to The Sanibel School. In 2021 they were able to make that dream a reality. Since moving back to Southwest Florida Laura has become involved in many aspects of the island community. From September 2022 to May 2024, she served on the Board of Directors at The Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI) assisting to ensure the school reopened following Hurricane Ian to celebrate 50 years of educating the next generation of island conservationists. Since completing her term on the CECI board Laura has served on the Fundraising Committee for Community Housing & Resources (CHR) and is a regular volunteer at The Sanibel School.

DAVID HAAS, FINANCIAL PLANNING

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.  April operates a boat charter business on Sanibel and David assists her in the operation of the business as well. 

DANE JOHNSON, CONSTRUCTION

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, HEALTHCARE & HOSPITALITY

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 Sean are working diligently to rebuild their beloved Shalimar Beach Resort on Sanibel Island, which was devastated by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

PAM NORTON, RETIRED BUSINESS OWNER

A dedicated Florida resident, Pam spends over six months each year enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Pam also maintains a second residence in Hunting Valley, Ohio. After a fulfilling career, she retired in 2014 after successfully selling her business, Century Harley-Davidson, located in Medina, Ohio.  

MATTHEW PIERCE, SOFTWARE ENGINEER

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 Rachel, four children, and two dogs. 

ILIE RUBY, ARTIST & AUTHOR

Ilie Ruby is an artist and the author of two novels. She holds master's degrees in teaching and writing and worked for several years as a writer and editor in educational publishing, most notably at Houghton Mifflin Company. She teaches expressive writing workshops and runs the island jewelry and art company, Odessa Blue, which she shares with her daughter.

MILES SWEISS, ENTREPRENEUR

Miles Sweiss is a full-time Sanibel resident and successful entrepreneur running multiple Sanibel based businesses. Miles and his wife Chelsea Sweiss (a native Floridian) and two children moved to Sanibel in 2021 from California. He owns a transportation rental company called The Moke & Cabana Club providing vintage, eco-friendly, lithium powered Mokes to island visitors and residents. He also owns and operates a concrete floor coating business called Sanibel Epoxy, helping residents and businesses flood proof their concrete floors with commercial grade coatings.

 Miles attended UCLA with a major in Evolution, Ecology, And Behavior. He is a conservationist by training. He has a Pilot's License and loves fishing, camping, boating, and outdoor cooking.  

SUE VAN OSS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

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.