Applicant Display

Bought what will be our second home and plan to spend most of winters and part of summers in Florida.

I have held off until now. I am shifting to leaving full time work, and at most I will stay as a Consulting Advisor to certain clients. As such will put the next phase of my life to work helping the communities in which I live. I am very active in Cincinnati now with a near exclusive focus with the homeless/poor. In Naples I want to find a way to a broad immersion into the needs that exist in the community and find those areas where servant leadership I might offer could have the most impact.

I have been Managing Partner of major practive areas in several firms and CEO of several firms. My most significant contribution will be looked at differently but I am a Christian and believe that I have always been a servant leader, or leading from within and developing the talent and impact of those more junior or less experienced to me. I have done this many times over – and that is what makes me most proud. Now I lead a 500 person Strategy Practice that will seem impressive – but it the group of people I help develop faster and further because I helped them that is significant.

I have been on Board in Churches and American Red Cross and Homeless Shelters. But my most important leadership contribution is again leading by example and I shifted from just setting direction and took on the one-on-one mentorship of several destitute and homeless men. I started with them 5 years ago and honestly had no idea how I could help them attain the goals they had. Both are now in their own houses, with income, are more healthy and safe – and are no longer “homeless guys” but my friends. I have leveraged my impact with many others now following to do the same. One life at a time.

The less fortunate or poor and/or homeless. This can go many different ways like abused women, or drug addicted, enslaved children or the like.

I have worked a career and pretty successful in all forms of business. I am delighted to help at a Board level – and fundraising is usually one of the most complex functions a not for profit has. I will gladly do that. However, I am a problem solver. I am action oriented. While a very senior executive in business, I like to roll up my sleeves and get to the absolute core of a problem and solve it. I would gladly bring my funds and time to a board, and be effective. But I want to get hands on in the field and make a difference.

I took a small mens group of Christians that were studying the bible. This group has shifted from “navel gazing” to now active in the world to make a change. They are helping the homeless, serving meals, and this week will all work with the Ronald McDonald House. I lead by example and have them all enthusiastically active. I believe there are so many that want to do something but need to be lead. Flip that and look at business and I am an extremely gifted consultant to Fortune 500 companies and I have hundreds of examples of taking small teams in side the worlds largest company and create sources of major new growth.

We took years to pick a place to make home beyond Cincinnati. Beach, golf, pool, restaurants, church and friends are superficial. I am not RETIRING. I am ready to start the second half of my life. As a Christian – that is making my God’s vision for me visible in the community that I live. When I get up – I want a focus to help the greater Naples area. I want to learn where the problems are and what needs this wonderful community has. I do not want the simple challenges. I want to find the really tough areas that will take years to address.

Welcome Home Collaborate
– 5 years of very very heavy involvement taking on 2 homeless men that I work with twice a week for 5 years. I have made this my primary focus.

SouthShore Condominimum – Finance Committee 2014-2020
Ronald McDonald House – Food Service organizer 2018 – 2021
American Red Cross – Board member 1988 – 1992
Easter Seals of Chicago – Board member 1995 – 2002

I am interested in learning more about the issues and needs In Collier county and making a contribution to address some of those needs. I am also interested in expanding our network of friends through volunteer opportunities and social events.

I participated on a leadership team involved with completing a legal entity restructuring for CIGNA’s property and casualty
insurance division. This restructuring enabled that division to be spun off and eventually sold to ACE Insurance Co.

While small, I think the most impactful contribution I have made over the last 6-7 years is working with high school students applying for financial aid to attend college. Many of these students and their parents do not know how to navigate the application process for FASFA(Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Champions for Learning, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples Botanical Gardens

I have an accounting background and have good project management skills. I am also a good listener

I have participated on a number of not for profit boards primarily in the capacity of Treasurer

T&E Cares Auxiliary Board and volunteer (2014-2021)

Conestoga Crew Team Treasurer (2010-2014)
Woodlea Garden Club Board (2010-2018)
Girl Scout Troop Leader (2001-2006)
Travel Soccer Team Treasurer (2000-2008)
Chester Valley Women’s Golf Treasurer (2016-2018)

Through various conversations, I’ve learned about Mary’s commitments to other not for profits and her willingness to devote time to volunteer to organizations in the Naples area. I was impressed with her leadership skills in a professional capacity as well as volunteering her time to help high school students navigate the system to receive financial aid for college. She possesses strong accounting background skills.

As a relatively new resident of Naples, I have been looking for ways to become more involved in the greater Naples community and to meet other people outside of our gated club. When I heard about GNL from a member, it seemed like an ideal opportunity to get an in-depth exposure to the issues and needs facing Naples and Collier County from civic leaders and volunteers with direct experience in many aspects of community life. I volunteered for many years in my community in CT and found the experiences to be very rewarding, both in the work we accomplished and for the friends I made along the way. I would like to become a GNL member to learn about ways to “give back” and find ways to become more involved with the Naples community.

I led the acquisition analysis and financial due diligence team for the commercial equipment leasing division of GE Capital. I developed financial models to analyze acquisition profitability and assess business risk. I also developed financial due diligence processes used to evaluate target businesses’ operations and prepare for post-acquisition integration. During my tenure the business completed over $25 billion in domestic and international acquisitions.

My most significant community leadership contribution was as a board member and President of the board of directors of the Westport Weston Family YMCA in Westport, CT. During my tenure on the board, the organization went through major change. In 2004, faced with declining membership and dwindling revenues, the board decided that it was necessary to replace the aging facility. Plans were drawn up and brought to the Town for approval by the various boards and commissions. This led to years of hearings and litigation. Eventually the Y entered into a contract to sell the existing facility and began planning for construction of the new Y. Financing included proceeds from the sale of the downtown building, a $20MM capital campaign, and loans. Fundraising proved to be challenging so the plan had to be scaled back to a smaller facility. Finally in the fall of 2014, the Y opened the new facility. Within a few months membership almost doubled as many new families were attracted to the modern building and the new amenities. This set the Y firmly on the road to financial stability and established it as a major resource for the community.

Education
Women and children
Environment

I have 30 years of professional experience in financial analysis and planning with a major corporation. I have over 10 years of leadership experience on a non-profit board (5 years as President) including a building project and a major capital campaign. Under my leadership, the Y built a new $50MM facility and averted near closure of the organization. I developed skills in leading meetings, giving presentations, and fundraising. I participated in all the committees of the board, including the building committee. I also dealt with a number of human resource issues with our CEO.

During my tenure on the Y board, there were a number of significant incidents that required me to gain consensus from the Board to approve changes to the project scope. One of the most memorable was convincing the rest of the board to give up the long-cherished dream of a 50-meter pool. The initial design incorporated a 50-meter pool as well as a large leisure pool area with indoor play features. While waiting for the necessary approvals and permits, we engaged a facilities consultant from Y of the USA. The consultant initiated a tour of several newer YMCA’s in the northeast for a small group of volunteers, including myself. After touring a half dozen newer Y’s and meeting with their staff it became clear to us that the design that had been developed was a larger shiny version of the 80 year old building we already had, but it did not incorporate a number of the features that were the current best practices in other new YMCA’s. We also learned that most Y’s did not have a 50-meter pool because it is not cost-effective. It became obvious to the small group that changes to the design would be required and the 50-meter pool would have to be down-sized. With the aid of the Y consultant, we did a high-level re-working of the plans to show how we could incorporate the key missing features and still maintain our budget and square footage constraints. Presentations were given to the board and many discussions were held. Ultimately the change in scope was approved. Giving up the 50-meter pool was a bitter pill for many to swallow and to this day there are those who are disappointed that we could not afford the pool many wanted, however it is recognized that the redesign provided the kinds of spaces today’s families desire and enabled the Y to successfully rebuild membership levels.

One of the experiences of which I am most proud was the creation of the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund at the Westport YMCA. Shortly after opening our new building in 2014, the Y became the beneficiary of a $40M bequest. The board decided to apportion the bequest between endowment, funding for future capital improvement projects, and a philanthropic fund to give back to the community. An initial amount of $5 million was set aside to fund grants to one or more local programs, to be selected through an annual grant process. We decided to focus on not-for-profit organizations that provide direct or supplemental education programs for children and young adults in neighboring communities. As part of the grant process, members of the committee visited each grant applicant to gain a better understanding of the program and the quality of the work being done. It was eye-opening for each of us to see the great need for these services in our surrounding communities and learn how the grant applicants were making a difference in the lives of children and families. Since its establishment in 2015, the Fund has given out grants totally over $1.25 million. We believe we are the only YMCA in the country with this type of program.

Westport Weston Family Y Foundation Board of Trustees – Treasurer 2016 – 2019
Member 2019 – present

Water Rats Parents Club (swim team booster club)
Treasurer 2000 – 2004
President 2004 – 2008

Westport Weston Family Y Board of Directors
Member 2005 – 2006
Treasurer 2006 – 2010
First VP 2010 – 2011
President 2011 – 2016

Greenfield Hill Church Dogwood Festival
Treasurer 2016 – 2018

Greenfield Hill Church
Board of Trustees 2004 – 2006

Bonnie has an outstanding background of leadership in both the professional and non-profit arenas. She was an accomplished financial manager at GE, and a successful board member and board President for the Westport Weston YMCA. She has a great desire to become involved in the Naples community. I think she will make a major contribution to the Masters Class and GNL, as a whole.

During my time in Naples, I have been involved with Bear’s Paw Country Club. First as a committee volunteer, followed by 6 years as a member of their Board of Governors.

Living in Naples full time and choosing it to be my home, I wish to give back to the city that I love.

Organization and Sociability

I’m a terrific team member. I’m very organized.

Community development in Naples.

My involvement with the Medical Eye Bank was a time before organ donation was common. I talked to doctors in different hospitals to encourage them to ask family members of the newly deceased for their eyes.
It was the beginning of a national Organ Registry.

I’m a volunteer! Starting with parents’ boards at my children’s schools, Junior League of Baltimore, Medical Eye Bank of Baltimore, Board work at Baltimore Country Club and Bear’s Paw CC.
Chairing the Social Committee, Chairing Ladies Golf and various committees associated.

I was a travel agent before I got married. I ran my own Wall Papering business for 11 years that allowed me to put my children through school.

Our community, Bears Paw, is a small group of 300 families. Most residents know and admire Marcie. Her involvement with Club committees and as a member of the Board have been extraordinary. She is an engaging and charismatic personality.
As her late husband’s health deteriorated, she showed her strength, resilience, and commitment to her partner. She is now available to engage is a new set of community organizations. She will not “stand back” but will be an enthusiastic leader in whichever Collier County organizations match her talents and interests. GNL is a platform to educate members about the resources and needs of the community. Marcie is not joining GNL for social reasons or to “expand her resume”. She will find a new passion in the community and work hard to benefit our area.
I enthusiastically endorse her application.

I am impressed with GNL’s mission to provide its members unique opportunities to learn firsthand about the issues and needs in Collier County and encourage the use of their skills individually and collectively in bettering the community. It is a great organization with a stellar reputation and I would be proud to be a part of it!

My career has focused on the importance of maintaining strong systems for organization within companies. Most recently, I have specialized in back office, compliance, legal and regulatory issues for a large organization.

My community volunteer positions to date have mainly been in a Treasurer capacity, including finance and taxes.

I am passionate about helping young mothers, families and children who are less fortunate.

I am very experienced in financial reporting and tax preparation, including QuickBooks, Excel, and all of the latest technology.

I discovered an embezzlement case where the president was embezzling money from a non profit in a baseball organization, which took money away from the kids. As a result, we completely re-vamped the internal systems.

CHS Boys Hockey-Treasurer- 2015-2020
Northeast Region Porsche Club of America- Treasurer -2015-2018
Concord Northeast Baseball- Treasurer- 2011-2014
BGS PTO- Treasurer- 2006-2012

Tracy will be a valuable addition to the GNL team. She has a unique skill set that includes accounting and technology, which will be super helpful. In addition, she is passionate about becoming very involved in the Naples community as she is spending more time here as a part-time and soon-to-be full time resident.

I was employed as the CEO of Shaw Development/Shaw Family Holdings, a Bonita Springs based company, until my semi-retirement in October of 2020. I currently serve as the Senior Managing Director of Qorval, a consulting company based in Naples.

I am interested in learning more about my community and giving back in a way that benefits not only the community by individuals while at the same time connecting with some like minded colleagues. Now that I am semi-retired I have more time to support and give back to my community utilizing my leadership skills and business experiences.

While serving 7+ years in an executive capacity at Shaw Development we were able to achieve revenue growth of 300%, while at the same time improving bottom line performance 500%. While these were outstanding achievements the most satisfying and rewarding aspect was coaching many of our employees and seeing them grow and succeed in their careers. At the same time our employee base tripled over this time period which was satisfying to see individuals and families prosper from the solid compensation and benefit programs offered to our employees.

My free time has been predominately supporting/volunteering at my local church the past 20 years. This has included teaching young children, ushering, security, and supporting various special events. I have also gone on mission trips to support poor and underprivileged areas in the US and Exuma Bahamas.

I am open to exploring many different areas but a few areas of interest include supporting local business leaders, education, community planning, and poverty/homelessness.

I am experienced in most all aspects of business having run a medium sized private corporation. My strengths include leadership development, strategy, planning, team building, financial management, relationship building, change management and executing effectively regarding complex negotiations. I am energetic management professional with 35+ years of progressive leadership experience. I have been very successful at defining compelling operational strategies, gaining organizational commitment, and developing the capabilities to achieve the vision. I am an effective analyst, problem solver and communicator. visionary and creative problem-solver with a “big picture” mentality who effectively adapts to new challenges.

While working at General Motors I was tasked with implementing lean (efficient) manufacturing/operations processes. This was a significant challenge working in union environments as there was significant resistance to change and the possiblity of reducing headcount. To gain union support we started small by training them in a classroom setting followed by implementing small improvements in manfacturing/operations. When they were able to see the benefits to the employees such as improved safety, work environment and improved team work we began to get gain their support. Additionally any displaced workers were moved to other departments, utilized to implement improvements in other areas or to bring additional work into the manufacturing plants and we followed through on this committment. Communication, training and following through on committments were key to the success of these projects.

First Assembly of God, volunteer, usher/security, teacher, 2002 – 2011

Due to my current work position, I feel and believe that I could make a significant and positive impact on the community through the contacts, resources and educational opportunities offered by GNL and their members.

It is hard to choose just one, however, being in a position of leadership, I have the honor and pleasure of setting the example of what an accountable, dependable, passionate, understanding and honest leader looks like to 100’s of young adults. It is an incredibly rewarding accomplishment to see them grow into mature and productive members of society.

I organized, planned and executed an event for our local first responders (CCPS, GNFD, etc) as a thank you for everything they do for our community. The event was wildly popular and has now become a yearly event in SWFL.

Mental Health and providing services to our underserved population in Collier County.

My current employment at the Greater Naples YMCA allows for immediate, actionable work to be done with GNL members and the community. I am outgoing, well-spoken, comfortable in new situations and passionate about impacting those around me in a positive light.

One group I led that brought about a positive change were all of the volunteer coaches at the Naples YMCA. When I took over the sports department at the YMCA 5 years ago, I was inheriting a mess. A sports program full of poor principles and leadership. I was able to rally all the coaches and staff to enact a fair play policy for all levels and sports. The change, although bumpy at first, was met with one success story after another. Now the program has over 500 participants each session!

About 6 years ago I unfortunately and quite suddenly, became really sick. I have luckily made a full recovery and today, you would never know that I was fighting for my life. That experience dramatically changed the man I am. The little insecurities and fears we all suffer from, disappeared. What did appear, was an individual that understood life is fleeting and became incredibly passionate about the things that really matter in life. Things like family, love, passion, impacting others and leaving behind a legacy and positive example for my daughter and others that will last a lifetime. I hope my future enrollment in GNL will help me fulfill my goals and dreams as a son, brother, father and positive member of society.

I would be grateful for your consideration.

Moved to Marco Island 10
Years ago.

I am on the board of the Community Foundation and
Feel the need to be involved
More in Naples as I am entrenched in Marco Island

Being recognized by my peers and professional organization to receive my Lifetime Senior Professional in Human Resources designation for the work completed in creation of training programs to stop the rising cases of harassment and discrimination in call center environment

Being recognized by the community of Marco Island as Humanitarian of the Year 2019

Education, police, fire

I have tremendous organizational skills. I run mobile food pantries each Thursday and Friday feeding hundreds of people

Recently, my friend and I created a group that inspires people to volunteer – we currently have 160 registered volunteers.

Our Daily Bread Food Pantry – Board member – incoming chair 2021 – current
Marco island Charter Middle School – Board member 2011 – current
City of Marco island Park and Rec Advisory Board – 2017 – current
Joy of Giving – 2020 – current – Board member
AL’s Pals – 2017 – current – founder
Christmas Island Style – 2015 – current – Board member

Naples became my official residence in 1998 however for the majority of that time I was working overseas in international development. My mother’s residence was here and this was my home when I was between assignments or on vacation. I worked in Naples in 2001 as Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, and in 2009 as a consultant to the 5th Avenue BID.

Now that I am retired I have the opportunity to engage more deeply in the community. I believe that through GNL I can learn more about various organizations and opportunities to engage, and create a network of people who can be instrumental in this pursuit.

My most significant career leadership contribution was through my work as a U.S. Government contractor in Afghanistan. A primary function of my position was to conduct and oversee gender analyses of every USAID (United States Agency for International Development) project in support of our policy for gender equality and female empowerment. Analyses conducted prior to my assuming this position were largely academic rather than practical; as such, they were not useful in affecting change. Under my leadership, gender analyses were produced as roadmaps that were actionable and practical, and included guidance for monitoring and evaluating change.

A runner-up contribution was during my work in Romania leading an activity for tourism development. Through my work I became acquainted with the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism for the University of Transylvania. I learned that their curricula was solely theoretical and did not include tourism marketing. I developed a curricula for undergraduate and graduate courses in tourism marketing, and taught them for one semester to model practice-based leaning approaches.

In 1995 I opened a retail business in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, an area that was in very nascent stages of gentrification. Because the neighborhood had sparse retail it had not yet become recognized as a retail destination. I initiated an informal business owners association to do cooperative advertising and special events to drive retail sales.

At this point I am interested in intercultural/diversity issues, affordable housing, WGCU (as a pillar of civil society), and Planned Parenthood. I am interested in learning about other areas that may align with my values and interests.

My skills that are likely to contribute to positively impacting the community include project management and organizational skills, program and impact evaluation, grant proposal writing, and intercultural understanding.

Initiating the business association in Chicago elevated awareness and foot traffic in our retail neighborhood. My work with the University of Transylvania brought about change in teaching curricula and methodology in tourism marketing, and produced a cohort of people who had developed full-blown, practical marketing plans for the Bran Castle which had just been repatriated to its private owner who put it on the market.

I served as Vice President for the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce in 2001, and strategic marketing consulting for the 5th Avenue BID when it was first formed in 2009

Catholic Charities, volunteer establishing activity centers at Ft. McCoy (WI) for newly arriving Afghan refugees 2021

University of Transylvania, developed curricula and taught courses in tourism marketing 2006

International Business School of Uzbekistan, developed curricula and taught course in advertising 1999

Uzbekistan crafts association, mentored organization in producing craft fairs

I have followed Suzanne’s work experience over the years and am aware of her many skills. As she indicates, she has led projects, done program assessments, written program evaluations, and developed intercultural skills as a result of her extensive overseas experiences. She is a smart organizer, an excellent writer, definitely a “doer” and someone who would be an asset to any nonprofit/civic organization. And she is quite personable! When I realized she was retiring, I knew she would make an excellent GNL candidate. And she would certainly be an asset to any community organization, including GNL.

Established residency, manage personal affairs, and study materials and communications from two companies for which I serve as a Director. Attend 6 Board meetings each for the two companies every year, primarily out of FL, although during COVID, attended from FL via video conferencing.

My family members have been visitors and property owners starting with my grand parents before WW2. My parents (deceased), brother and sister have each owned property here or are current residents. We have witnessed the substantial changes to the larger Naples community over the past 5 decades. It is no longer the quiet vacation destination it was in the 60’s and 70’s, and somewhere along the line, it’s size and complexity changed faster than my knowledge of the basic dynamics of the community. I would like to better understand how the City and environs currently work, and what the future of Naples looks like. I have the pleasure of local friends who were or are GNL members who consistently speak positively about the organization and their experience in the program. Between my interest in what’s happening in Naples and the encouragement of GNL members, I think its time to broaden my experience, if I am deemed qualified and selected.

Being the President & CEO of a successful spinoff from a parent company in 1995 into an independent, publicly traded corporation from which I retired in 2012, but continue as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Working on a joint-venture between two youth performing arts organizations in Milwaukee through which we raised $12 miilion to purchase and re-purpose a former brewery distribution center in Milwaukee to become the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. It was an amazing success, and a very rewarding experience for me personally, for the two organizations, and most importantly, for the youth of greater Milwaukee.

Environment, community planning, Naples airport operation and development.

Strategic planning

Please see responses to questions 6 and 7.

Interest in past, present and future vehicles.

First Stage Children’s Theater: Board Member, Board VP (late 1990s – 2011
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center: Board Member 2007 – 2010
United Performing Arts Fund: Co-Chair of Ann. Campaign (1 year)

I believe Harry has the experience and background to make a contribution to the Non-profit community. He now has the time to spend in Naples and bring his talent to the many organizations in Naples and Collier County. His leadership and success in business and in leading and contributing to the non profit community in Milwaukee will allow him to assist and give of his time and knowledge to our community. He will also be a great addition to GNL and its leadership opportunities. I ma excited and pleased that he is applying and look forward for his contributions in the years to come.