The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) officially launched the Leadership Sanibel & Captiva Class of 2026 with its Opening Session on Thursday, January 15, held in conjunction with the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce State of the Islands program at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa.

The day began with class members attending the State of the Islands program, where they received updates on local government, business, and community priorities impacting Sanibel and Captiva. Following the Chamber program, the Leadership Class reconvened for lunch and a facilitated conversation featuring longtime island leader Porter Goss and his son, Chauncey Goss, who led a question-and-answer dialogue with his father. Together, they shared personal reflections on the City’s early days, lessons from public service, and perspectives on what it means to lead effectively on the islands.

CFI Board member Chauncey Goss (left) interviews his father City of sanibel’s founding Mayor Porter Goss (right)

“Leadership Sanibel & Captiva is designed to connect people who care deeply about this community and provide them with the insight, relationships, and perspective needed to lead with intention,” said Savannah Kelly, Director of Community Engagement at the Charitable Foundation of the Islands and Director of the 2026 Leadership Sanibel & Captiva program. “Beginning the program with State of the Islands and a candid conversation with Porter and Chauncey grounded the class in both the history of Sanibel and the responsibility that comes with community leadership.”

When asked about his biggest takeaway from the Opening Session, John Darby, a member of the Leadership Class of 2026, emphasized the essential role of service in the island community. “The island is run on volunteers—that is apparent,” Darby said.

Fellow class member Whitney Congress reflected on the opportunity to learn directly from island leaders. “We have an incredible island leadership and volunteer community,” Congress said. “It was amazing to hear Porter speak about the inception of the City, his role, his memories, and his insights on what it means to be a sound leader.”

CFI now looks ahead to the next program session, Community Resource Day, scheduled for Wednesday, January 28. The session will focus on nonprofit services, volunteerism, and community collaboration and will conclude with CFI’s annual Volunteer Expo, a community-wide event connecting residents with local nonprofit organizations and volunteer opportunities.

Community Resource Day and the Volunteer Expo underscore CFI’s ongoing commitment to developing future leaders, strengthening the nonprofit sector, and inspiring meaningful community engagement through time, talent, and treasure.

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Leadership Sanibel & Captiva Class of 2026 Kicks Off with Opening Session

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