Community Foundation announces SWFL's best boards and board members

Michael Chatman
·3 min read
Harry Chapin and food pantry volunteers provide fresh produce and healthy food after Hurricane Ian. Its board has been instrumental in leading the fight against hunger in the community.
Harry Chapin and food pantry volunteers provide fresh produce and healthy food after Hurricane Ian. Its board has been instrumental in leading the fight against hunger in the community.

In the world of nonprofits, gratitude is often expressed for financial contributions.

But what about the tireless dedication of board members who work relentlessly to support their organizations every day? The Community Foundation acknowledges this oversight and is determined to change it.

On Feb. 6, Southwest Florida's outstanding board members and effective boards will be honored during the Board Leadership Awards, a premier event that shines a spotlight on these remarkable individuals and groups.

Celebrating exceptional board members

The Board Leadership Awards will recognize six outstanding board members from Southwest Florida who have made significant contributions to their respective organizations and communities. These individuals are the driving force behind transformative change and community progress.

Let's meet the honorees

Gary Griffin – Foundation for Lee County Schools: A visionary leader with a background in mechanical engineering, Gary has dedicated his career to shaping education in Lee County.

JoAnn Elardo
JoAnn Elardo

JoAnn Elardo – Cape Coral Animal Shelter: JoAnn's entrepreneurial spirit and leadership have not only impacted Europe's activewear market but have also brought a new level of recognition to Florida's distillery industry.

Robert Galloway – Community Cooperative: As the vice president of Galloway Automotive, Robert's commitment to community involvement is evident through the annual Soup Kitchen Benefit held at Sam Galloway Ford-Lincoln.

Robert Galloway
Robert Galloway

Marshall Bower – Salus Care: Marshall's role as President and Executive Director at The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc., has been pivotal in enhancing the quality of public education in Lee County.

Marshall T. Bower
Marshall T. Bower

Paula Malone – FSW Foundation: Paula, a retired developmental/clinical psychologist, founded Wings Foundation, Inc., and continues to contribute to the well-being of families and children.

Paula Malone
Paula Malone

Gary Tasman – Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida: Gary's leadership in the commercial real estate industry is matched by his passion for the community's growth and development.

These six remarkable individuals are the embodiment of dedicated service and leadership within Southwest Florida's nonprofit sector.

Gary Tasman
Gary Tasman

Honoring exceptional boards

The Community Foundation not only recognizes individual achievements but also celebrates the collective efforts of outstanding boards of directors. These collaborative groups have made a significant impact on their organizations and the broader community.

Here are the six boards being honored

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida: Goodwill Industries' mission is to provide programs and services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.

Horizon Council Foundation: This foundation plays a crucial role in improving Lee County's business environment, encouraging business expansion, and attracting diverse employers.

Lee Health: Lee Health's mission is to empower healthier lives through care and compassion, and its board has been instrumental in achieving this goal.

United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades 2023-24 Campaign Kickoff took place at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community, thanks to the dedication of its board.
United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades 2023-24 Campaign Kickoff took place at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community, thanks to the dedication of its board.

United Way: United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community, thanks to the dedication of its board.

Harry Chapin Food Bank: The board of the Harry Chapin Food Bank has been instrumental in leading the fight against hunger in the community.

FGCU Foundation: The FGCU Foundation is committed to advancing Florida Gulf Coast University and its students through philanthropic support.

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

Join us in the celebration

For anyone involved with charitable organizations in Southwest Florida, you're invited to the Board Leadership Awards on Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 8-10 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Bell Tower in Fort Myers. Bring your board members and join us in recognizing these extraordinary individuals and boards who are shaping the future of our community. For event details, please contact Alison at Alison@capecoralcf.org.

The Community Foundation, headquartered in Cape Coral, is not only the voice and choice of 5,214 nonprofits but also a creator of Generous People, a weekly television production that combines entertainment with philanthropy. The show reaches over 610,000 households across six Florida counties and features real-world nonprofit leaders and experts dedicated to making a difference.

Michael Chatman, President & CEO of The Community Foundation, the global center for generosity, can be reached at michael@capecoralcf.org. The foundation is located at 1405 SE 47th Terrace, Unit 2, Cape Coral. For information, call or text 239-542-5594 or visit www.capecoralcf.org to learn more about our mission and impact on the community.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Commentary: Southwest Florida's best boards and board members