Commentary: Southwest Florida's top 30 nonprofit leaders of 2023

Michael Chatman
·3 min read
Aysegul Timur became Florida Gulf Coast University's fifth president on May 4, 2023.
Aysegul Timur became Florida Gulf Coast University's fifth president on May 4, 2023.

In the heart of Cape Coral, The Community Foundation stands as a beacon of philanthropy and a key player in the region's charitable sector. With an extensive network of 5,219 nonprofits employing over 37,610 individuals and generating an impressive $4.15 billion in annual revenue, The Community Foundation is more than a grantmaking entity: it's the pulsating heart of generosity in Southwest Florida.

Each year, this influential organization takes a moment to spotlight the extraordinary efforts of 30 nonprofit executives who are not just leading but are revolutionizing the landscape of Southwest Florida through their innovative and impactful work. These leaders are the epitome of effective decision-making and influential power in the region.

Managing a nonprofit is a complex task that requires a delicate balance between maintaining sustainability and embracing change. The Top 30 Nonprofit CEO Power Influencers of 2023 have mastered this balance, earning them recognition for their exceptional contributions to the community.

Lee Health's Dr. Larry Antonucci, shown donating blood in a blood mobiles stationed in front of the American Red Cross, is one of the top 30 nonprofit executives of 2023.
Lee Health's Dr. Larry Antonucci, shown donating blood in a blood mobiles stationed in front of the American Red Cross, is one of the top 30 nonprofit executives of 2023.

These honorees, chosen by their peers for their outstanding achievements and community-building efforts, exhibit unwavering integrity and honesty.

This year's selection process was rigorous, with approximately 300 top executives considered. Business and community leaders participated in surveys to determine the most impactful leaders of the past 12 months. These 30 honorees, who will receive special awards and be featured in media releases, have demonstrated their dedication to their roles tirelessly, often working around the clock.

The exclusive awards ceremony, set for Dec. 14 at Crown Plaza Fort Myers, will be a night to remember. Wendy Steele, the renowned author of "Invitation to Impact" and a champion for women in philanthropy, will grace the event as the guest speaker.

Donna Germain, president of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce
Donna Germain, president of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce

The Distinguished Top 30 Nonprofit Executives of 2023:

Dr. Aysegül Timur, President, Florida Gulf Coast University

Martin Schappell, CEO, Shell Point Retirement Community

Paul Hiltz, President, NCH Health System

Dr. Larry Antonucci, President, Lee Health

Dr. Samira Beckwith, President, Hope Healthcare

Dr. Carol Rae Culliton, Founder, Brotherhood of Heroes Resource Center

Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida
Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida

Chris Hansen, CEO Child Care of SWFL

John Nadeau, President, Goodwill Industries of SWFL

Brian Hamman, Former President, Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce

Dawn Montecalvo, president of the Guadalupe Center
Dawn Montecalvo, president of the Guadalupe Center

Dawn Montecalvo, President, Guadalupe Center

Dr. Abram Bicksler, President & CEO, ECHO

Richard LeBer, President, Harry Chapin Food Bank

Dr. Jeff Allbritten, President, Florida Southw]Western State College

Cotrenia Hood, Interim President, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce

Maricela Mercado, President & CEO, Agency on Aging of SWFL

Marshall Bower, President & CEO, Foundation of Lee County Schools

Brian Rist, Co-Founder, Rist Family Foundation
Brian Rist, Co-Founder, Rist Family Foundation

Brian Rist, Co-Founder, Rist Family Foundation

Donna Germain, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

Donna McGinnis, President, Naples Botanical Gardens

Stacey Cook, President and CEO, Salus Care

Becky Lucas, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
Becky Lucas, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties

Becky Lucas, President, Habitat for Humanity, Lee, and Glades

Abdul Haq’ Muhammed, Executive Director, Quality Life Center

Tiffany Esposito, President, and CEO, SWFL Inc.

Jeannine Joy, president & CEO, United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties
Jeannine Joy, president & CEO, United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties

Jeannine Joy, President and CEO, United Way Lee, Hendry, and Glades

Heidi Davis, Southwest Florida Children’s Charities

Maria Jimenez-Lara, CEO, Naples Children and Education Foundation

Stephanie Ink-Edwards, President & CEO, Community Cooperative

Jeffrey Feld, President/CEO Jewish Federation of Greater Naples
Jeffrey Feld, President/CEO Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

Jeffrey Feld, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

M. Suzanne Robert, CEO, Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic

Angela Fisher, President & CEO, Junior Achievement

In case you missed it: Commentary: Community Foundation announces annual ENPY Award winners

In addition to this celebration, The Community Foundation is gearing up for the Humanitarian Awards Gala on Jan. 12, at Cape Christian in Cape Coral. Colonel Oliver North, a distinguished military figure, will provide keynote insights on leadership and resilience. This event is a cornerstone of humanitarian recognition in Southwest Florida, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the community.

The Community Foundation, also known for creating "Generous People," a weekly TV series airing on ctntelevision.com, continues to be a pioneer in combining entertainment with philanthropy, reaching over 618,000 households in six counties.

For more information, reach out to Michael Chatman, president & CEO of The Community Foundation, at michael@capecoralcf.org or visit www.capecoralcf.org.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Celebrating Southwest Florida's top 30 nonprofit leaders of 2023