The Naples 100 l
CIVIC ADVOCACY |
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ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
JACK WERT
STEVEN L. SANDERSON
Executive Director Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)
President and CEO United Way of Collier County and the Keys
A certified fundraising executive, Steven L. Sanderson has led the organization since 2012. Since then, the United Way has grown from $1.9 million to more than $6.1 million in revenue. He has built the information and referral helpline, Collier 211, and established Volunteer Collier. His team has secured local, state, federal, and international funding, and revamped the United Way’s funding review process. Sanderson is a member of the United Way of Florida Board of Directors.
Since 2003, Jack Wert has led Collier County’s efforts to improve and promote tourism—one of the top three local industries that adds hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy and supports thousands of jobs annually. Visitorship has reached two million each year, and the CVB’s promotional efforts have grown to encompass areas such as sports, wellness, arts, and culture. Wert’s love of Naples and “interest in sharing it with travelers from all over the world” fuels his career.
EDUCATION: Ottawa University HOMETOWN: Topeka, Kansas FIRST JOB: Shoveling snow in the winter and cutting lawns in the summer to save money for my first car. I am pleased to share I was successful in purchasing a used 1971 AMC Javelin. LESSON LEARNED: Hurricane Irma pushed our United Way to the limit as our team worked non-stop for several months to bring aid to Collier County. Now we are more prepared than ever to respond to disaster, as we undertake a critical role in the pandemic response. FAVORITE BOOK: The Maxwell Daily Reader by John. C. Maxwell
EDUCATION: Miami University FIRST JOB: Marketing manager for Professional Bowlers Association FUNNIEST WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: As a banker in Akron, Ohio, my 2-year-old son got behind the teller counter and set off the alarm. The first cop to respond was my cousin, and he gave me a real ration of abuse for the false alarm. TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Starting a business and collecting payment for good work HOBBIES: Boating and scuba diving FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Keewaydin Island HIDDEN TALENT: Licensed Merchant Marine Captain
ANDREA CLARK BROWN
SUSAN BAY
Owner, Director, and Curator Andrea Clark Brown Architects, PA Up Art Contemporary
Owner and CEO Bay Design Store
Andrea Clark Brown is a well-established architect in Naples, closely serving private clients as well as high-profile public projects. She founded her firm in 1986 and has designed notable landmarks such as the Sugden Community Theatre, Sugden Plaza, the downtown public parking garages, churches, and corporate and commercial offices. She has held several professorial positions (Harvard University and University of Miami) and is a lecturer, juror, and writer. Her firm also provides interior design services and landscape planning.
EDUCATION: University of Michigan FIRST JOB: Taking over my brother’s newspaper route for the summer at age 11. It came with his bike. BEST ADVICE: You can correct a mistake quickly or leave it and live with it forever. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Attention to detail HIDDEN TALENT: Playing the flute FAVORITE MOVIE: The Longest Day FAVORITE TRAVEL SPOT: Paris FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY SPOT: Chokoloskee FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Bleu Provence
EDUCATION: University of Virginia (MAarch) FUNNIEST WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: Arriving at an important project interview with my team in separate cars, only to find that each thought the other team member brought the presentation materials. I had to ad-lib the interview with a marker and paper on easel. BEST ADVICE: Make NO assumptions. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Positive attitude, resiliency, and coping skills HOBBIES: Piano and writing BUCKET LIST: Practice piano as much as I want, travel Italy with my husband, and have the perfect gallery kitchen to hone my now-rusty Iron Chef skills
DARREN MILES PHOTOGRAPHY
Susan Bay opened her first interior design firm in 1978 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, serving clients for decades before opening her second location in Naples in 2003. She ultimately began to focus entirely on the Naples market. Located just two blocks from the beach, her award-winning design team and fine furniture store reflect Naples’ subtropical surroundings. Bay continues to be recognized as a leading entrepreneur in the home furnishings and interior design industries.
The Naples 100
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