HEALERS

SCOTT BURGESS

President and CEO David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health

With more than 30 years of health care experience, Scott Burgess works closely with the mental health nonprofi t’s board of directors to manage the center’s operations and development. He provides administrative, clinical, and strategic direction for more than 375 professional staff who offer mental health, substance abuse, and integrated solutions for more than 9,000 children and adults every year. He is working with county offi cials to build a $25 million mental health treatment center to expand local services.

EDUCATION: Concordia University (MA) FIRST JOB: Golf caddie FUNNIEST WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: During summers while in college, I worked in a cereal factory that made Lucky Charms, Cocoa Pu s, and Golden Grahams. MOST INSPIRING PEOPLE: Jesus and Abraham Lincoln FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Italy, Ireland, and England FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Lowdermilk Beach FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Watermark Grille

JACLYNN FAFFER

President and CEO Naples Senior Center

Jaclynn Faffer has been a visionary human services leader for 30-plus years. A Naples resident since 2010, she has extensive community involvement, including as past chair of the Collier County Leadership Coalition on Aging and as a graduate of the Greater Naples Leadership Class of XVIII. Faffer and her team shifted all programs and services to a virtual platform during the pandemic and offered post-Hurricane Ian counseling. She spearheaded the recent development of a new building on a 13-acre campus.

EDUCATION: Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University (DSW) FIRST JOB: Providing support services to migrant farmers working in apple orchards in New Jersey WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: I was attending a summer leadership program when I was 16 years old and heard a lecture on the profession. I was struck by the various ways in which social workers could help individuals and society. My path was set. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Be the best student you can be, but don’t forget to have a good time. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary— for the beauty of the ancient trees, the wildlife, and of course, the ghost orchid

ILIA M. ECHEVARRIA

Chief Nursing O cer North Naples Hospital

As chief nursing offi cer for the NCH Healthcare System, Ilia M. Echevarria has direct oversight of the hospital’s nursing workforce. She is an award-winning and accomplished clinician, administrator, and educator with over two decades of nursing experience. During the pandemic, Echevarria was appointed as the Director of NCH COVID-19 Task Force and established the fi rst hospital-based COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Collier County, leading efforts to vaccinate thousands of employees and community members.

EDUCATION: Widener University (PhD), Thomas Je erson University (MSN), St. Joseph’s University (MS) FIRST JOB: I worked at White Palace Bakery in Philadelphia at the age of 14 operating the bread slicer machine. WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: I enjoy making a di erence in others’ lives. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Remain coachable. There is always something to learn. TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Completing my PhD in nursing science HOBBIES: Spending time with family, writing, and outdoor activities ADVICE TO A RECENT GRADUATE: Take the hard jobs—they build grit. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: The Everglades

PAUL C. HILTZ

President and CEO NCH Healthcare System

Paul C. Hiltz took the helm at NCH Healthcare System, Collier County’s largest non-government employer, in 2019. Backed by a 30-year career, Hiltz, a boardcertifi ed Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, has led NCH through impressive growth. In 2022, NCH announced its partnership with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to provide ICU support for infants and children and with the top-rated, New York-based Hospital for Special Surgery, along with plans to build a state-of-the-art orthopedic center.

EDUCATION: Xavier University (MFA) FIRST JOB: Burger Chef SECRET TO SUCCESS: Surround yourself with great people and teammates. HOBBIES: Tennis and reading FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Italy BUCKET LIST: Ireland

KRISTINE HOLLINGSWORTH

Public Information O cer Florida Department of Health in Collier County

As the spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health in Collier County, Kristine Hollingsworth is enthusiastic about speaking with the media to protect, promote, and improve the health of residents and visitors. She is driven to spread awareness and educate the public on emerging and growing health issues in Collier County. Hollingsworth has spearheaded several health department initiatives, including human tra cking outreach and the Cover Up Collier! and Crush COVID, Collier! COVID-19 campaigns.

EDUCATION: Oakland University, Carnegie Institute NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: 2017 Prudential Productivity Award for the “Shoo the Flu Challenge”; 2019 de Beaumont Foundation “40 Under 40 in Public Health” WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: I spent over a decade in various aspects of the medical fi eld; I have always had a passion for learning new things and sharing that information with others. Becoming a public information o cer was the natural next step. LESSON LEARNED: Not everyone is going to like you, respect you, or trust what you say. Surround yourself with those who care for you and keep your village close. The COVID-19 pandemic response quickly taught me that something as simple as a global public health threat could be very polarizing.

LESLIE LASCHEID

CEO Neighborhood Health Clinic

Raised in a medical family, Leslie Lascheid developed compassion for others early on. When her parents founded the Neighborhood Health Clinic in 1999 in Naples, Lascheid embraced their vision, becoming CEO in 2012. In 2021, the clinic opened the Van Domelen Education and Wellness Building to meets expanding patient needs and celebrated the completion of its $12.8 million Help, Hope and Healing Campaign. Prior to moving to Naples, Lascheid was global vice president and chief operations o cer as Vestar Capital Partners.

EDUCATION: Carnegie Mellon University, Wharton School SECRET TO SUCCESS: Good fortune has given me a very satisfying career, bringing immense fulfi llment into my life. Challenges have o ered opportunities, giving me the privilege to work around the globe, which resulted in exposure to many di erent people and cultures. TOUGHEST CHALLENGE/LESSON LEARNED: Soon after giving birth to my youngest child, she faced a terrible medical challenge. Navigating the health care system was daunting, even with a family of medical professionals. Thankfully, we found a physician who managed her case and is still in our lives 32 years later. That experience heightened my level of empathy for our patients because when I see their confusion and discomfort, I know what they’re going through.

ANN HUGHES

Executive Director Friends of Foster Children Forever

Ann Hughes took the helm of Friends of Foster Children Forever—which serves more than 1,200 foster children annually—in 2019. In 2022, Collier County Public Schools announced that the graduation rate for high school seniors in foster care is a record-breaking 78 percent—exceeding the national average of 50 percent. Students in Friends’ tutoring program achieved a 100 percent graduation rate. Hughes, who has two decades of nonpro t experience, has enhanced the organization’s free tutoring, mentorship, and enrichment programs.

EDUCATION: Pace University FIRST JOB: A cashier at McDonald’s WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: It is fulfi lling and rewarding to help foster children grow and succeed. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Be passionate about what you do every day and always be excited to learn something new. TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: My father passed away while I was in high school. I had to grow up pretty fast. ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Never give up on your dreams. BUCKET LIST: Visit Ireland with my kids

DAN LAVENDER

President and CEO Moorings Park

Founded more than 45 years ago, Moorings Park Institute encompasses three life plan communities in Naples. Its newest campus, Moorings Park Grande Lake, was named among the Top 25 “Best in Wellness” in North America in 2021. Moorings Park is recognized as a Fortune “100 Great Companies to Work For.” Dan Lavender has served as the CEO since 2009. He is a community leader who collaborates with other nonpro ts on signi cant projects, such as a public-private workforce housing development.

EDUCATION: Ohio University (MBA) NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Member of the boards of directors of the Miami branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the Naples Zoo; chair of Novare, a national consortium of senior living providers FIRST JOB: Cleaning out horse stalls and bailing hay. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Don’t worry about your next assignment; focus on the existing assignment. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Surround yourself with smarter people. BUCKET LIST: Visiting Israel and skydiving

DEB LOGAN

Executive Director Blue Zones Project SWFL by Sharecare

Blue Zones Project, a well-being initiative sponsored by NCH Healthcare System, encourages changes in a community that lead to healthier options. Under Deb Logan’s leadership, Southwest Florida earned Blue Zones certifi cation in 2022, meaning more than 300,000 individuals, 830 organizations, and 62 policies support making healthier choices easier for residents and visitors. The organization’s work has resulted in more than $190 million in medical and productivity savings by lowering risks related to chronic disease.

EDUCATION: University of North Carolina-Greensboro (MEd) BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Be kind; everyone is climbing uphill. SECRET TO SUCCESS: My team—locally and nationally, at Blue Zones Project, our sponsor, and our thousands of community champions who say yes to well-being ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Always be kind, practice gratitude, lean into your passion, and stretch outside your comfort zone. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Naples Botanical Garden BUCKET LIST: Achieving work-life balance

LINDA A. OBERHAUS

CEO The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

Linda A. Oberhaus got her start as a lifelong advocate for vulnerable populations as a peer counselor in high school. For more than 30 years, she has worked in social justice. In addition to her master’s degree, Oberhaus furthered her education with courses at Harvard Business School and the FBI Citizen’s Academy. Oberhaus collaborates with the community to prevent, protect, and prevail over domestic violence and human traffi cking. She is a certifi ed auxiliary deputy with the Collier County Sheriff’s Offi ce.

EDUCATION: University of South Florida (MSW) BEST ADVICE: Stay in school. FAVORITE BOOK: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Relax. You are going to be fi ne!

KEITH MAPLES

Chief Development O cer Neighborhood Health Clinic

Since joining the Neighborhood Health Clinic in 2015, Keith Maples has increased the community’s awareness of the nonprofi t health care service provider and the size of its donor base. Recently, he spearheaded the completion of a $12.8 million capital campaign to increase and enhance patient services at the clinic for the working poor. Maples has more than 25 years of nonprofi t experience, including helping St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital raise upwards of $200 million annually.

EDUCATION: University of Kentucky FIRST JOB: Youth baseball umpire WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: It’s rewarding to have a purpose helping others, having the ability to give back, and to make a di erence. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Never ask someone to do something you fi rst aren’t willing to do yourself. HOBBIES: Golf, sports, dining out, being a foster parent, traveling, and family SECRET TO SUCCESS: Believe in and be passionate about whatever you do. ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Enjoy what you do and give it your all; this is not a dress rehearsal.

CAROL A. O’CALLAGHAN

Deputy Executive Director Legal Aid Service of Collier County

Carol A. O’Callaghan joined Legal Aid Service of Collier County, which provides free civil legal assistance to income-qualifi ed residents, as a staff attorney in 2005. She became managing attorney in 2010 and deputy executive director in 2021, when evictions, layoffs, and other legal and fi nancial issues became widespread in the wake of the pandemic. O’Callaghan is past president of both the Collier County Women’s Bar Association and the Young Lawyers Section of the Collier County Bar Association.

EDUCATION: University of Florida (BA, MA, JD) FIRST JOB: Outside of babysitting when I was in high school, my fi rst job was as an o ce assistant in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida HOBBIES: Travel, photography, and reading FAVORITE BOOK: My favorite reads this year have been The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai and The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne. Both are devastating in places but so very good. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANTS: There are so many great ones, but for a special occasion, my choices include Bha Bha! Persian Bistro, 21 Spices by Chef Asif, Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen, or Barbatella.

JAYSEN F. ROA

President and CEO Avow Hospice

Since joining Avow in 2015, Jaysen Roa has overseen the growth of its palliative care services, children’s grief and loss program, and the Avow Foundation. He is a founding member of the Synthase collaborative of not-for-profi t hospice and palliative care organizations that serves 23 Florida counties. For a third year, Avow has been named a Great Place to Work. Avow instituted a minimum wage of $15.25 an hour in 2020 (it’s now $16.50) and provides free health care and health savings account contributions for employees and free daily lunch to onthe-job staff members.

EDUCATION: Webster University (MBA and MHA) BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: My grandparents always told me I could do anything I set my mind to and worked hard to achieve. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Having great colleagues and friends throughout my career. LESSON LEARNED: If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen. HIDDEN TALENT: I’m great at movie trivia. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary BUCKET LIST: Antarctica

ANA STEVENSON

Founder and President Path2Freedom

Ana Stevenson has been a resident of Naples since 1962. Although she was in the banking business for many years, her most treasured role is being a wife to her husband Jon for 25 years and mother to their four daughters, and grandmother to six grandchildren. Stevenson set out to meet a need in the community and started the nonprofi t Path2Freedom with Jon in 2015. They raised $150,000 to open a group home safe house just as the pandemic started in 2020.

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Believe you can, and you are halfway there. MOST INSPIRING PERSON: Myra Janco Daniels SECRET TO SUCCESS: Be fearless and have a whole lot of grit. SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW: I was born in Havana, Cuba. FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Bora Bora ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Pursue your calling and you will succeed. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Sea Salt BUCKET LIST: To build an 80-acre safe house campus in Florida

(Photo: Pure Fotografi ca)

MEGAN ROSE

CEO Better Together

Megan Rose has dedicated her life and career to strengthening families and reminding people of their dignity and worth. She developed a Prevention Partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families that allows Better Together to step in before foster care becomes necessary. Rose has led the nonprofi t in serving over 4,000 children and keeping 98 percent of those families together, while helping nearly 38,000 job seekers fi nd employment. The nonprofi t began seven years ago in Naples and now serves 15 counties.

EDUCATION: Liberty University (MA) FUNNIEST WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: Ripping my dress before speaking at a big event and having to duct tape it back together. Thankfully, my husband is a pro, and no one knew! BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Focus on three key things at a time. MOST INSPIRING PERSON: Mother Teresa SECRET TO SUCCESS: My faith and my family FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: French Riviera ADVICE TO A RECENT GRADUATE: Find a great mentor.

JAMIE ULMER

President and CEO Healthcare Network

Jamie Ulmer arrived in July 2022 to lead the nonprofi t Healthcare Network, a Federally Qualifi ed Health Center that ensures primary medical care is accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of job or insurance status. Ulmer most recently served as CEO for Heart of Florida in Marion County, Florida. His wealth of health care leadership includes 24 years of service in the military, where he progressed from a combat medic to a Medical Service Corps offi cer; he was assigned to multiple deployments.

FIRST JOB: Fish fryer at Capt. D’s WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: When I was a little kid, I would hold my mom’s hand through the halls of the hospitals and say to myself I want to do this one day. I was not sure specifi cally what I would do but knew helping people through their medical challenges was it. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Do not waste your brain power on the small things. Save your brain for those harder, more challenging, decisions. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Being technically competent and execution. I always say to my team I prefer “ed” over “ing.” Ing means we are still working, fi xing, and trying; we should be past tense, completed, fi nished, and mission complete. Execution has always been a hallmark trait of mine.