LEADERSHIP

2020 Board of Directors

We see Rookery Bay protected forever—a working landscape, where people, industry, and nature thrive together. As one of the last remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America, Rookery Bay will remain a wellspring of life and a source of inspiration.

Friends of Rookery Bay Board of Directors: Thomas Marquardt | Rookery Bay Research Reserve

President

Thomas L. Marquardt

Term: 2017-2021
Town of Residence: Naples, FL
Lived in Town Since: 2016
Employer: Retired CEO
Education: Bachelors Degree in Journalism, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI

In his free time, Tom writes a syndicated, weekly wine column and blog. He also enjoys fishing in the waters that encompass the Rookery Bay estuary and appreciating everything that he strives to protect for future generations. Tom even volunteers his time as a member of Rookery Bay Research Reserve’s Team OCEAN program.

Vice President

Matt Flores

Term: 2019 – 2022
Town of Residence: Naples, FL
Lived in Town Since: 1994
Employer: Zampogna Flores, PLLC
Education: University of Florida and Ave Maria School of Law

Matt practices in the areas of real estate law, business law, and commercial litigation. Matt has lived in Collier County for over 25 years and is involved with many organizations, including Friends of Rookery Bay, Naples Jaycees Great Dock Canoe Race, Naples Junior Chamber, Multiple Sclerosis Center of SWFL, Gator Club of Naples, Growing Associates in Naples, and the Collier County Bar Association.

Treasurer

Tom Wagor

Term: 2018-2021
Town of Residence: Marco Island
Lived in Town Since: Florida Native
Employer: Florida First Integrity Bank
Education: Bachelors Degree in Business administration, Campbell University., N.C.

Tom has served on the Board of Directors for the Marco Island Historical Society, the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary, the United Way of Collier County, and Edison College Foundation. When not serving his community, he enjoys golf and fishing in Rookery Bay Research Reserve.

Secretary

Curt Witthoff

Term: 2017-2021
Town of Residence: Marco Island
Lived in Town Since: 2001
Employer: Discovery Education
Education: BS Zoology, Michigan State University, MS Education, Instructional Media Wilkes University

Curt is also a board member with the Marco Island Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary.

Ray Carroll

Term: 2018-2021
Town of Residence: East Naples
Lived in Town Since: Birth
Employer: Carroll & Carroll, Inc., Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants
Education: Bachelor of Science, Real Estate, 1975, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton

Ray has also volunteered his time at Naples Zoo, Friends of Fakahatchee, and Bonita Wonder Gardens

James Fourqurean

Term: 2018 – 2021
Town of Residence: Palmetto Bay, FL
Lived in Town Since: 2004
Employer: Florida International University
Education: PhD in Environmental Science, 1992, University of Virginia; MS in Environmental Sciences, 1987; BA in Biology and Environmental Science, UVA, 1983.

In his free time, Jim enjoys working on classic cars, fishing, running with his kids.

Donna Fiala

Term: November 2020 – 2022
Town of Residence: Naples, FL
Lived in Town Since: 1974
Employer: Collier County Commissioner District 1
Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Donna Fiala has been very active in the community of Naples and Marco Island. She is apart of more than nine clubs and organizations; four of which she is president.

Charlie O'Connor

Term: 2017-2021
Town of Residence: Naples
Lived in Town Since: 2016
Employer: Retired
Education: Juris Doctorate, St. John’s University School of Law, Jamaica, NY; Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Biology, Southampton College of Long Island University, Southampton, NY.

In his free time, Charlie serves on the Varenna Condominium Association, Fiddler’s Creek, Board of Directors; and is a volunteer vessel operator at Rookery Bay Research Reserve for Team OCEAN and the fisheries monitoring program. He also enjoys time with family, boating, fishing, wreck diving and exploring Naples on his Triumph motorcycle.

Lois Selfon

Term: 2019-2022
Town of Residence: Naples, FL
Lived in Town Since: 1994
Employer: Self Employed
Education: MBA – Marymount University

Lois served as Past Chair, City of Naples Community Services Advisory Board (Chair City of Naples Tree Committee; founder City of Naples Volunteer Program for the Naples Preserve). Co-chair original Gators Galore Charity; President Naples Art Guild; President Naples Press Club.

Lois was honored by the City with “Lois Selfon Park; “Gem of Naples” award for community service; managerial award from GE.

In her free time, Lois enjoys oil painting (three solo exhibitions to date) and gardening.

Jim Shea

Term: 2019 – 2022
Town of Residence: Pelican Bay
Lived in Town Since: 2010
Employer: Retired
Education: Iona College BBA, Wharton School MBA

Jim serves on the Greater Naples Leadership, University of PA Medicine, Grey Oaks Board, Orpheum Theater in Memphis TN, AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

In his free time, Jim enjoys golf, boating and his grandchildren.

Paul Tateo

Term: 2018-2021
Town of Residence: Marco Island
Lived in Town Since: Birth
Employer: Horizons Real Estate
Education: Georgetown Univ, School Foreign Service, 1976, BSFS, Washington DC

Paul also volunteers his time at Marco YMCA, Marco Historical Society, and St Marks Church.

Don Tilton | Friends of Rookery Bay Board of Directors | Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Donald Tilton

Term: 2019 – 2022
Town of Residence: Naples, FL
Lived in Town Since: 2010
Employer: Retired Vice President
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI

Don has been retired from active environmental science consulting for approximately 6 years although he is still active in the education programs at Rookery Bay Reserve. He enjoys building wooden kayaks and paddling in the waters of Rookery Bay Reserve. When he is not in the shop or on the water, he is an amateur photographer, golfer, and granddad to two grand daughters.

Greg Tolley

Term: 2019-2022
Town of Residence: Fort Myers, FL
Lived in Town Since: 1998
Employer: Florida Gulf Coast University
Education: Ph.D. Marine Science, University of South Florida; B.S. Zoology, Marshall University

Greg also serves on the Board of Directors, Fish Florida; former board member Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation; former board member Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.

Milda Vaivada

Term: 2018-2021
Town of Residence: Naples
Lived in Town Since: 1984
Employer: Owner, Soiree Celebrations
Hometown: Washington, DC

Milda is known across Florida for turning events into extravaganzas, having planned well-known Naples events including the Naples Philharmonic’s “Festival of Trees,” the Conservancy of SW Florida’s “Music and Magic Under the Mangroves,” Collier YMCA’s “Partners with Youth” and many others.

Emeritus

The Friends of Rookery Bay would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their past service to the Board of Directors

Coral Aiken-Miller
Bob Bachard
Beth Barth
Michael Bauer
Tom Beauchamp
Ted Below
Dr. Bob Berlam
Buddy Braunlich
Donna Braunlich
Leslie Breland
Clay Brooker
Jim (James) Burch
Sharon Bush
Karyn Capozzo
Pat Carroll
Bob Clausman
Dianne Cole-Bronczyk
Joan Cox
Robert E. Davy Jr.
Mike Devlin
Christopher Doherty
Dr. Julie Edmister
Jami Ensor
Carlos Escarra
Shelby Evans

Ed Farmulare
Ferguson
Guy Fischer
Tom Fish
Jim Flagler
Mary Beth Ford
Scott Frankie
Al Gal
Bob Galloway
Aaron Goddard
David Gordely
Robert Gore
Carol Haberkern
Bill Hammond
J Hammond
Judy Haner
Marvin Hendry
Andy Hill
Ginger Hinchcliff
Paul Hinchcliff
Scott Hopkins
Todd Hopkins
Jayson Horadam
Judith Hushon
Beth Inman

Darlene Jarvi
Georgia Jeppesen
Jim and Stacey Kanzler
Carla Kappmeyer
Allen Kassman
Robert Klus
Bob Klussmann
Lisa Koehler
Ellie Krier
Langston
Lynda Lambert
Bruce Layman Layman
Harold P. “Skip” Lee
Chris Lombardo
Gina Lostracco
Ashley Lupo
Gary Lytton
Pat Lytton
Gail Martin
Jerry Martin
George McBath
M. Richard Mellon
William Merwin
Diane Murray
Steve Mutart

Barbara Olko
Nancy Olson
Susie O’Rourke
Chad Ott
Nick Penniman
Frank Perrucci
Bruce Powell
Ed Powers
Barbara Prynoski
Lisa Rahn
James Ray
Dan Riley
Susan Ritas
Bruce Robertson
Michael Savarese
Craig Seibert
Lance Shearer
Mike Shirley
Kristen Smith
Tom Smith
Camille Sonesen
Dan “GUY” Sonesen
Sharon Soppe
Sharda Spahr
Christian Spilker

Georgia Stamp
Mark Strain
Ron Swaim
Steve Theberge
Kris Thoemke
Sharon Thurston
Michael Tighe
Jason Trohalides
Evelyn Tullock
Courtney Vass
Terry Walker
Linda Weinland
Paul Westberry
Trudi Williams
Mary Wilson
Sandra Wilson
Curt Witthoff
Lois Yoder-Swaim

Make a Difference

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Friends of Rookery Bay. We are actively seeking candidates to serve on our Board or Committee, as well as assist with administrative and event needs.

Volunteer for the Friends of Rookery Bay

Adopt a Precinct | Rookery Bay Research Reserve

Visit Rookery Bay

Guided Eco-Tours

Activities

Annual Events

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