COMMUNITY SERVICE
The GNL Distinguished Leadership Award, formerly known as the Parke Wright III Distinguished Leadership Award, is presented to a GNL member who outstandingly exemplifies the mission of our organization–to provide proven leaders with a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the issues and needs in Collier County and to encourage the use of their skills individually and collectively in bettering the community.
GNL is proud of the achievements of its award recipients over the years and the fact that many of these individuals played a key part in the creation and development of the Greater Naples Leadership program as we know it today.
Previous Award Recipients
JOE TRACHTENBERG IS 2023 GNL DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
Joe Trachtenberg, a graduate of GNL Masters Class XIV, has been named as the 2023 recipient of its annual Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his significant contributions to both nonprofit and civic efforts. A luncheon to present the award to Mr....
JOE TRACHTENBERG – 2023 DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD
We are pleased to announce that Joe Trachtenberg, Class XIV, has been selected to receive the 2023 Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his significant contributions to civic responsibility as chair of the Collier County Affordable Housing Advisory...
JIM BARTON – 2020 DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD
Each year the Greater Naples Leadership Distinguished Leadership Award Committee selects for Board approval the GNL alumnus whose contributions to the community best exemplify the mission of GNL. In 2020 the Committee has selected and the Board has approved giving the...
Gary Personette, Class XVII, Receives 2019 GNL Distinguished Leadership Award
A graduate of Class XVII, Gary Personette received the Distinguished Leadership Award on Thursday, March 14, at a luncheon at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club. Gary’s legendary contributions to Collier County’s educational system began when he met GNL classmate...
2018 – Thomas D. McCann
(Naples, FL) – Greater Naples Leadership (GNL) has named Thomas D. McCann as the 2018 recipient of its annual Distinguished Leadership Award in honor of his outstanding commitment to both the Naples nonprofit and civic communities over the years. A graduate of GNL...
2017 – Jennifer Walker
The Board of Greater Naples Leadership is pleased to announce that Jennifer Walker, Class IX, received the 2017 Distinguished Leadership Award. The award was presented at the Celebration Dinner on April 4, 2017. After a successful career in the demanding,...
2016 – R. Wayne Mullican
In recognition of his outstanding volunteer commitment, passion and leadership in several local nonprofit organizations, R. Wayne Mullican (Class IX) received the 2016 Distinguished Leadership Award on April 8 at the 20th Anniversary Gala. Most prominent is the work...
Honoring Bob Morantz – 2015 GNL Distinguished Leadership Award
"Perfect role model," "devoted to his community and friends," "example of fortitude and courage," "infinite good humor" and "appropriate recognition of a good citizen" were just some of the phrases heard as colleagues described this year's Distinguished Leadership...
2014 – Ann E. Berlam
Ann Berlam's interest in the quality of GNL education is consistent with her lifelong commitment to addressing education issues. Ann served in Washington DC as a legislative assistant to a NC congressman and as the first director of the Washington office for the NC...
2013 – J. Richard Munro
Dick Munro's tireless service to the community and GNL is an inspiring model for all. He has an ever-ready willingness to say, "Yes; Count me in; I'll help." Dick (Class IX) does more than wade into volunteer activities; he dives. That is the case with the David...
2012 – Joanne S. Wyss
GNL's fifth (and first female) president, Joanne (Class III) has had extensive community involvement on a variety of nonprofit boards and is best recognized for her leadership as co-founder and current chair of First Book-Collier County. This nonprofit's mission is to...
2011 – John A. Henry
John (Class X) has been a key board member of The Immokalee Foundation's Take Stock in Children program. His strong commitment to this cause has had a significant impact on the organization as well as on the students who are part of Take Stock.
2010 – Carl J. Kuehner
GNL's fourth president, Carl (Class III) led the creation of Immokalee Non-Profit Housing Inc. (now Immokalee Housing and Family Services), which has built housing units and a community center for farm workers. He also aided in the creation of Naples' Design Review...
2009 – Susan and Peter Manion
In the first and only time that a couple has received the Parke Wright award, Sue (Class IV) and Peter (Class III) were honored for their incredible work with Fun Time Early Childhood Academy. In 2006, when the nonprofit was on the brink of bankruptcy, they took over...
2008 – Dorothy A. Gerrity
A former chair of the Community Foundation of Collier County, Dottie (Class II) has served in significant roles on the boards of the Christ Child Society of Naples, First Book-Collier County, Fun Time Early Childhood Academy and the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce....
2007 – Ned R. Sachs
GNL's second president, Ned (Class III) has had extensive board involvement with many local nonprofits. He was a founding member of the highly successful Naples Children and Education Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars for children's charities in our...
2006 – Thomas G. Schneider
In addition to being GNL's third president, Tom (Class III) has had extensive board involvement with nonprofits in Collier County. His crowning achievement is the establishment of the local Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® program. He noted the severe need for better...
2005 – Patricia Barton
Since moving to Naples in 1965, Pat (Class I) has been involved in a broad array of civic and social service endeavors, having served on several local boards and chaired many political campaigns. She was a founding member of both Naples Informed Parents (the prototype...
2004 – Mary Ann Durso (1944-2008)
Mary Ann (Class V) was a driving force behind the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. As executive director, she devoted her life to Habitat along with her husband, Sam, making the Collier chapter one of the most industrious in the nation. She worked at Habitat as a...
2003 – James T. Rideoutte
Jim (Class II) has been extensively involved in the community, from AARP tax counseling for the elderly to past chair of several organizations, including Greater Naples Civic Association, Greater Naples Planning Advisory Board, the Shelter for Abused Women &...