Charitable Community Foundation

09/02/2026

08/30/2026

SHE DIDN’T JUST LEAD AN ORGANIZATION. SHE HELPED EXPAND ITS IMPACT.

Nadereh Salim Named to the 2026 IMPACT 50 — Honoring 50 of Southwest Florida’s Most Influential Nonprofit Leaders

Some leaders manage organizations.

Others build the kind of record that earns greater responsibility.

For nearly two decades as CEO of Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, Nadereh Salim has devoted her leadership to protecting children, preserving families, strengthening communities, and improving the systems entrusted with some of Florida’s most vulnerable young people.

And perhaps one of the strongest validations of that leadership came in 2022.

Following outstanding performance in Florida’s Circuit 20, Children’s Network was awarded the Community-Based Care Lead Agency contract for Hillsborough County—expanding the organization’s responsibility and reach beyond Southwest Florida.

That is leadership measured not merely by a title, but by trust, performance, responsibility, and results.

Nadereh’s journey makes the achievement even more meaningful.

She built her career from the ground up—serving in multiple roles with the Florida Department of Children and Families before joining Children’s Network in 2003 and becoming CEO in 2007.

Yet despite the demands of executive leadership, she has remained remarkably connected to the mission.

She can be found setting organizational strategy one day and attending foster-parent events, celebrating mass adoptions, or volunteering alongside her team the next.

That combination of executive vision and personal commitment is precisely what IMPACT 50 was created to recognize.

With a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University, an Executive MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University, decades of social-services experience, and nearly 20 years at the helm of Children’s Network, Nadereh has built a leadership legacy centered on something bigger than herself:

Children. Families. Community.

That is why Charitable Community Foundation is proud to recognize Nadereh Salim as a member of the 2026 IMPACT 50—one of only 50 leaders selected for extraordinary influence on the future of Southwest Florida.

On October 21, Southwest Florida’s charitable community will come together to recognize the leaders whose decisions, vision, and service are helping shape our region.

Nadereh Salim has earned her place among them.

Congratulations, Nadereh.

IMPACT 50 | October 21, 2026
Presented by Charitable Community Foundation
The Definitive Authority for Nonprofit Leadership in Southwest Florida

www.charitablecommunity.org

08/29/2026

ONE OF ONLY 50 LEADERS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Some leaders inherit an organization.

Exceptional leaders help build what comes next.

Nammie Ichilov, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, is one of those leaders.

Charitable Community Foundation is proud to recognize Nammie as one of our IMPACT 50 — the 50 nonprofit leaders selected for extraordinary influence on the future of Southwest Florida.

Nammie’s influence cannot be measured in dollars alone.

His leadership is about connection, community, collaboration and creating something that lasts.

At a time when strong nonprofit leadership matters more than ever, Nammie represents the kind of executive leadership Southwest Florida needs: thoughtful, collaborative, mission-driven and focused on bringing people together.

That is influence.
That is leadership.
That is IMPACT.

Please join Charitable Community Foundation in congratulating Nammie Ichilov on his selection to the 2026 IMPACT 50.

One of only fifty leaders selected.

Chosen for extraordinary influence on the future of Southwest Florida.

IMPACT 50
Presented by Charitable Community Foundation
The Definitive Authority for Nonprofit Leadership in Southwest Florida

October 21, 2026
www.charitablecommunity.org

08/27/2026

ONE OF ONLY 50. A LEADER HELPING SHAPE THE FUTURE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

What happens when an award-winning journalist turns his talent for storytelling into a career of community leadership?

Jonathan Foerster, President & CEO of the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON), is showing us.

Jonathan’s career represents an impressive evolution through some of Southwest Florida’s most respected cultural and nonprofit institutions.

After a decade in Southwest Florida journalism, he brought his communications expertise to Artis—Naples, serving as Communications Director.

He later expanded his community leadership as Director of Community Affairs for Humane Society Naples before joining the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples as Chief Operating Officer in 2021.

Just one year later, Jonathan was elevated to CEO in 2022—entrusted with leading an institution dedicated to inspiring children and families through learning, exploration, and discovery.

But one of the most compelling measures of Jonathan’s leadership may be what happens inside the organization.

Under a leadership philosophy that recognizes employees as people first, CMON emphasizes family-friendly workplace practices—including parental leave for births, adoptions and foster placements, flexibility for school drop-offs and pickups, and hybrid arrangements that help employees balance professional responsibilities with caring for their families.

That philosophy sends a powerful message:

An organization devoted to strengthening families should also value the families of the people who make its mission possible.

Jonathan brings together a distinctive combination of journalism, communications, community engagement, nonprofit operations and executive leadership—and has built his career right here in Southwest Florida.

For his continued leadership and influence, Jonathan Foerster has been selected as one of the IMPACT 50—fifty nonprofit leaders recognized for their extraordinary influence on the future of Southwest Florida.

Jonathan Foerster
President & CEO
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples

IMPACT 50 | Charitable Community Foundation

One of only fifty leaders selected.

Chosen for extraordinary influence on the future of Southwest Florida.

At Charitable Community Foundation, we don't simply recognize the charitable community.

We help define its leadership.

www.charitablecommunity.org

08/25/2026

ONE OF ONLY 50. A LEGACY BUILT TO PROTECT THE FUTURE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

$200 plus million in philanthropic support. 26 years of service. More than a decade as CEO. One extraordinary record of conservation leadership.

Charitable Community Foundation is proud to recognize Robert “Rob” Moher, President & CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, as a 2026 IMPACT 50 honoree — one of only fifty leaders selected for extraordinary influence on the future of Southwest Florida.

Few nonprofit executives can point to a record of leadership as enduring—or as consequential.

During Moher’s 26-year tenure with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, more than $200 million in philanthropic support has been raised to strengthen and expand core programs, build endowments, and invest in innovative capital projects.

Among the newest investments in that legacy is the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, an ambitious new initiative expected to open in early 2028.

Today, with more than a decade at the helm, Moher holds another distinction: he is the longest-serving CEO in the Conservancy’s 62-year history.

His influence, however, extends far beyond fundraising.

With more than 38 years of local, regional, and international conservation experience, Moher has championed collaborative, science-based approaches designed to help balance Southwest Florida's continued growth with the protection of the natural resources that make this region extraordinary.

Under his leadership, the Conservancy continues its work protecting four things essential to Southwest Florida:

Our water. Our land. Our wildlife. Our future.

Moher's career in conservation began well beyond Southwest Florida. Before joining the Conservancy, he served as Regional Director for the Bahamas National Trust, where his responsibilities included the protection, management, and development of three national parks, including coastal and marine parks.

He previously conducted international environmental policy research as a Research Officer with the International Development Research Centre in Ottawa, Canada.

His leadership has also earned professional recognition. In 2012, Moher was named Fundraising Executive of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Everglades Chapter. He currently contributes his expertise as an Advisory Committee Member for The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Leadership isn't measured simply by the position someone holds. It is measured by what becomes stronger because they held it.

For Robert Moher, that record can be seen in decades of conservation leadership, more than $200 million in philanthropic support raised during his Conservancy tenure, enduring partnerships, and an institution positioned to protect Southwest Florida's natural heritage for generations to come.

That is influence.

That is impact.

That is why Robert Moher belongs among the IMPACT 50.

ROBERT MOHER
President & CEO | Conservancy of Southwest Florida
2026 IMPACT 50 HONOREE

IMPACT 50 recognizes fifty nonprofit leaders whose leadership and influence are helping shape the future of Southwest Florida.

Presented by Charitable Community Foundation
The Definitive Authority for Nonprofit Leadership in Southwest Florida

www.charitablecommunity.org

08/23/2026

ONE OF ONLY 50 LEADERS SELECTED: MARSHALL T. BOWER, ESQ.

Chosen for extraordinary influence on the future of Southwest Florida.

Some leaders manage organizations. Others help build the institutions that shape a community for generations.

Marshall T. Bower, Esq., President & CEO of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, belongs in the second category.

As one of Southwest Florida's influential champions for public education, Bower leads an organization dedicated to bringing the resources, relationships and community support of the private sector together with one of the region's most important institutions: public education.

And the numbers help tell the story.

MORE THAN $35 MILLION GENERATED FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION

Over its 38-year history, the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools reports generating more than $35 million in donations to advance public education in Lee County.

MORE THAN 102,000 STUDENTS

Today, the Foundation's mission supports a public school system serving more than 102,000 students—young people who will become Southwest Florida's future employees, entrepreneurs, professionals, civic leaders and community builders.

Marshall Bower's work sits at the intersection of education, philanthropy, business and community leadership—bringing people and resources together to strengthen opportunities for students and educators throughout Lee County.

That is what influence looks like.

It is the ability to build relationships.

To mobilize resources.

To strengthen institutions.

And, ultimately, to help prepare the next generation upon whom the future of Southwest Florida will depend.

For his sustained leadership and commitment to strengthening public education, Marshall T. Bower, Esq. has been selected as one of the IMPACT 50 — the 50 most influential nonprofit leaders helping shape the future of Southwest Florida.

Marshall T. Bower, Esq.
President & CEO
Foundation for Lee County Public Schools

IMPACT 50 | Southwest Florida

Presented by Charitable Community Foundation
The Definitive Authority for Nonprofit Leadership in Southwest Florida.

www.charitablecommunity.org

08/21/2026

THE EDUCATION LEADER SHAPING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA—BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN

One of only fifty leaders selected. Chosen for extraordinary influence on the future of Southwest Florida.

Long before a child enters a boardroom, leads an organization, or strengthens a community, someone must help build the foundation for that future.

Dr. Melanie Stefanowicz is leading that work.

As President & CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, Dr. Stefanowicz stands at the intersection of education, workforce development, family stability, and regional economic opportunity.

Under her executive leadership, the Coalition administers one of Southwest Florida’s most consequential early-learning operations—an organization reporting approximately $63 million in annual revenue and nearly $60 million devoted directly to program services in its latest publicly available federal filing.

That represents approximately 96 cents of every expense dollar directed toward programs.

But Dr. Stefanowicz’s influence cannot be measured by dollars alone.

Every family that gains access to dependable early learning is better positioned to work.

Every educator who receives meaningful instructional support is better equipped to help a child succeed.

And every child who begins school prepared gains a stronger opportunity to thrive for years to come.

A seasoned education executive, Dr. Stefanowicz brings together administrative leadership, instructional expertise, and a deep commitment to educational opportunity.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Goucher College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.

Her leadership reflects a powerful understanding: early learning is not simply a children’s issue. It is essential infrastructure for a strong workforce, resilient families, and a prosperous Southwest Florida.

That is influence at its most enduring.

For helping strengthen the foundation upon which our region’s future will be built, Charitable Community Foundation proudly recognizes:

DR. MELANIE STEFANOWICZ
President & CEO
Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida
2026 IMPACT 50 Honoree

Because the leaders who prepare our youngest citizens for tomorrow are helping shape Southwest Florida today.

Learn more at www.charitablecommunity.org.

Charitable Community Foundation
The Definitive Authority for Nonprofit Leadership in Southwest Florida

08/19/2026

JOHN NADEAU: THE RETAIL VETERAN BUILDING A $60 MILLION ENGINE FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT

Some leaders manage organizations.

Exceptional leaders transform their organizations into forces that strengthen an entire region.

John Nadeau, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, has done exactly that.

Under his leadership, Goodwill Southwest Florida operates 38 retail and donation centers across five counties, employs more than 1,100 people and generates over $60 million in annual revenue.

Yet the most meaningful measure of this enterprise is not what it earns—it is what it makes possible.

Each year, nearly 25,000 Southwest Florida residents benefit from Goodwill programs providing:

• Employment and job training
• Services for people with disabilities
• Small-business and entrepreneurship education
• Accessible and affordable housing
• Opportunities for greater independence and economic mobility

John brought an uncommon depth of business experience to this mission.

Before entering nonprofit leadership, he spent 23 years in senior retail management, built and operated an upscale supermarket, led a trading company and managed restaurant franchises. Those experiences gave him a sophisticated understanding of operations, growth, customer service and organizational performance.

He joined Goodwill Southwest Florida as Vice President of Operations and was appointed President & CEO in 2019.

Today, his leadership helps turn donated goods into employment, education, housing and new possibilities for thousands of people.

The organization also diverts nearly 30 million pounds of reusable materials from landfills annually—and reports that 93 cents of every dollar supports its mission.

That is the power of combining commercial discipline with a commitment to human potential.

John Nadeau does more than operate one of Southwest Florida’s most significant nonprofit enterprises. He demonstrates how strategic leadership can convert everyday commerce into lasting community transformation.

For his organizational leadership, regional reach and measurable impact on thousands of lives, the Charitable Community Foundation proudly recognizes John Nadeau as one of the IMPACT 50—Southwest Florida’s 50 most influential nonprofit leaders.

One of only fifty leaders selected.

Chosen for extraordinary influence on the future of Southwest Florida.

Please join us in congratulating John Nadeau on this distinguished recognition.

Charitable Community Foundation
The Definitive Authority for Nonprofit Leadership in Southwest Florida

Learn more at www.charitablecommunity.org

08/17/2026

SHE TURNED PHILANTHROPY INTO POSSIBILITY—AND LEADERSHIP INTO A LASTING LEGACY

Some leaders raise money. Exceptional leaders raise expectations, expand opportunity and change what a region believes is possible.

Katherine “Kitty” Green is one of those exceptional leaders.

As Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, Kitty helps lead the philanthropic vision advancing FGCU, strengthening student success and connecting one of Southwest Florida’s most important institutions with the people who believe in its future.

During her first fiscal year at FGCU, the Foundation raised an extraordinary $31.2 million—exceeding its annual goal by 25% and surpassing the previous year’s results by 29%.

That remarkable year included six gifts of $1 million or more, $4.1 million designated for scholarships, $4.9 million supporting FGCU Athletics and $4.7 million benefiting WGCU Public Media.

In fiscal year 2021–22, the Foundation raised another $33.6 million while advancing its ambitious $75 million “Turning Ideas into Impact” campaign.

Under the Foundation’s continuing leadership, more than $7 million in scholarships was awarded in a single year through over 500 scholarship opportunities—opening doors for students across disciplines and backgrounds.

But Kitty’s influence extends far beyond higher education.
Before joining FGCU in 2019, she devoted nearly two decades to Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties, including nine years as President and CEO. Her vision helped make the affiliate one of Habitat for Humanity’s highest-producing organizations in the United States.

During that era, the organization dedicated its 1,500th home, launched major neighborhood developments, became a HUD-approved housing-counseling agency and created a disaster-recovery program that completed 109 repairs for families affected by Hurricane Irma.

Her influence can be seen in the homes that gave families stability, the scholarships that made college attainable, the philanthropic partnerships strengthening FGCU and the generations of Southwest Floridians whose futures have been changed through her leadership.

For her measurable achievements, regional influence and enduring commitment to transforming generosity into opportunity, Charitable Community Foundation proudly recognizes Katherine “Kitty” Green as one of Southwest Florida’s 50 Most Influential Nonprofit Leaders.

This is more than recognition of an impressive career.

It is recognition of a leader whose work continues to shape the future of Southwest Florida.

Please join us in celebrating Katherine “Kitty” Green—an extraordinary community builder, philanthropic leader and member of the 2026 IMPACT 50.

One of only fifty leaders selected.

Chosen for extraordinary influence on the future of Southwest Florida.

Learn more at www.charitablecommunity.org.

08/15/2026

ONE LEADER. MORE THAN ONE MILLION PATIENT VISITS. A ONCE-IN-A-CENTURY EXPANSION OF CARE.

Some leaders manage organizations. Exceptional leaders transform what those organizations can accomplish for generations.

Since becoming President & CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System in 2014, David Verinder has led one of Southwest Florida’s most important nonprofit institutions through an extraordinary period of growth, innovation and expanded access to care.

Under his leadership, Sarasota Memorial has achieved a remarkable scale of service:
• More than 1 million patient visits annually
• More than 9,000 staff members
• Sarasota County’s largest employer
• 1,011 beds across the health system
• Repeated recognition among the nation’s best health systems

In November 2021, Verinder led the most significant expansion in Sarasota Memorial’s nearly 100-year history: opening a new hospital in Venice and completing a state-of-the-art Oncology Tower on the Sarasota campus.

His leadership accomplishments also include opening Sarasota County’s only Trauma Center, constructing an advanced Rehabilitation Pavilion, and establishing physician residency and fellowship programs to help educate the next generation of medical professionals.

Now, Verinder is guiding another ambitious chapter: a new Behavioral Health Pavilion, a Research and Education Institute, and the development of a new hospital in North Port.

These are not simply new buildings.

They represent greater access to care, stronger healthcare infrastructure, expanded professional opportunities and long-term preparation for Southwest Florida’s continued growth.

Verinder’s advancement from Chief Financial Officer to Chief Operating Officer and ultimately President & CEO reflects his depth of experience in financial stewardship, operations and executive leadership.

Florida Trend has repeatedly named him among Florida’s 500 most influential business leaders. His statewide service has included numerous community and industry leadership roles, including chairman of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida.

David Verinder’s influence can be measured in people served, professionals led, capacity-created and communities strengthened.

For his extraordinary leadership and lasting regional impact, Charitable Community Foundation proudly recognizes David Verinder as one of Southwest Florida’s 50 Most Influential Nonprofit Leaders.

IMPACT 50
Recognizing. Elevating. Leading.

Presented by Charitable Community Foundation
The Definitive Authority for Nonprofit Leadership in Southwest Florida
www.charitablecommunity.org