MEET THE BOARD

Mike Boris has been a member of the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors since its founding in 2011, making him one of the CIHS's longest-serving leaders. He has served CIHS as both Vice President and Treasurer, bringing financial expertise, institutional knowledge, and a longstanding commitment to Captiva to the organization.

Mike's connection to the island began when he became a Captiva homeowner in 2000, and he has been a resident since 2009. Over the years, he has been actively involved in the civic and community life of Captiva and the islands, serving on the boards of the Captiva Civic Association, Captiva Community Panel, Captiva Chapel by the Sea, and the Island Water Association as its president. He is also a member of the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club.

Professionally, Mike is a New York State Certified Public Accountant whose career included serving as a finance officer for several public corporations, primarily in the medical device industry. His extensive financial and business experience has been an important resource to CIHS throughout the its growth.

As a founding member and longtime officer, Mike has helped guide CIHS from its earliest years through its development into the organization it is today. His financial stewardship, knowledge of the community, and years of dedicated service continue to provide valuable leadership to the CIHS and its mission.

Blair Wyatt Berry joined the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors in 2021, bringing with her a longstanding interest in island history and community service that began soon after arriving on Sanibel in 2006.

Her love of history led her to the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, where she served on the Board for six years. She was also involved in the early days of the Sanibel Sea School, served on the BIG ARTS College Scholarship Committee, and volunteered at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. At Captiva Chapel by the Sea, Blair served for seven years on the Chapel's Pulpit Search Committee.

Blair's museum experience also includes serving as Interim Director of the Delaware Museum of Natural History. During the summers, she and her husband, Dennis, continue their commitment to community and cultural organizations in Vermont, volunteering with Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home; the Dorset Theatre Festival; the Southern Vermont Arts Center; and the Pawlet Public Library.

At CIHS, Blair has been an active member of the Events Committee, helping coordinate the CIHS' annual calendar of programs. In 2026, she was elected Corporate Secretary of the Board of Directors.

Betty Anholt joined the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors in 2020, bringing decades of research and an extraordinary knowledge of the history, people, and natural environment of Sanibel, Captiva, and Southwest Florida.

When she and her husband, Jim, settled on the islands, collecting the stories of longtime residents and researching the region's rich history became a passion..

An accomplished author and historian, Betty wrote The Trolley Guide to Sanibel and Captiva and five additional books on coastal history. In 2018, she co-authored Protecting Sanibel and Captiva Islands: The Conservation Story with Charles LeBuff and later published her first novel, Turtle Coast. Her articles on island history have appeared regularly in local publications, and her historical writing has received statewide recognition from the Florida Press Association.

Betty's work has also included archaeological research, oral histories, historical transcription, and consulting on Florida history for film and television. A life member of the Southwest Florida Archaeological Society, she has participated in archaeological projects from Georgia to Marco Island and contributed primary-source research to Florida Gulf Coast University.

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to preserving and sharing island history, CIHS established the Betty Anholt Guardian of History Award in her honor, naming Betty its first recipient in 2019. Her remarkable depth of knowledge and lifelong dedication to preserving the stories of the islands continue to make her an invaluable member of the CIHS Board.

Mike Boris has been a member of the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors since its founding in 2011, making him one of the CIHS's longest-serving leaders. He has served CIHS as both Vice President and Treasurer, bringing financial expertise, institutional knowledge, and a longstanding commitment to Captiva to the organization.

Mike's connection to the island began when he became a Captiva homeowner in 2000, and he has been a resident since 2009. Over the years, he has been actively involved in the civic and community life of Captiva and the islands, serving on the boards of the Captiva Civic Association, Captiva Community Panel, Captiva Chapel by the Sea, and Island Water Association. He is also a member of the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club.

Professionally, Mike is a New York State Certified Public Accountant whose career included serving as a finance officer for several public corporations, primarily in the medical device industry. His extensive financial and business experience has been an important resource to CIHS throughout the its growth.

As a founding member and longtime officer, Mike has helped guide CIHS from its earliest years through its development into the organization it is today. His financial stewardship, knowledge of the community, and years of dedicated service continue to provide valuable leadership to the CIHS and its mission.

Blair Wyatt Berry joined the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors in 2021, bringing with her a longstanding interest in island history and community service that began soon after arriving on Sanibel in 2006.

Her love of history led her to the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, where she served on the Board for six years. She was also involved in the early days of the Sanibel Sea School, served on the BIG ARTS College Scholarship Committee, and volunteered at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. At Captiva Chapel by the Sea, Blair served for seven years on the Chapel's Pulpit Search Committee.

Blair's museum experience also includes serving as Interim Director of the Delaware Museum of Natural History. During the summers, she and her husband, Dennis, continue their commitment to community and cultural organizations in Vermont, volunteering with Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home; the Dorset Theatre Festival; the Southern Vermont Arts Center; and the Pawlet Public Library.

At CIHS, Blair has been an active member of the Events Committee, helping coordinate the CIHS' annual calendar of programs. In 2026, she was elected Corporate Secretary of the Board of Directors.

Richard Finkel joined the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors in 2026, bringing more than three decades of experience in environmental education and a deep appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of Southwest Florida's barrier islands.

Originally from New York, Richard came to Sanibel in 1991 for an environmental education internship with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), which led to a full-time position. He later joined Captiva Cruises at the invitation of its founder, Paul McCarthy, beginning a relationship with the company that has continued for more than 17 years.

In 2010, Richard and McCarthy initiated the No Child Left on Shore Environmental Education Outreach Project, a collaboration between Captiva Cruises and SCCF. The program provides underserved youth from throughout Southwest Florida with opportunities to experience firsthand the wonders and importance of the region's back-bay estuaries and shoreline ecosystems.

Throughout his career, Richard has helped residents and visitors better understand the ecology, wildlife, waterways, and heritage of the islands through education and firsthand experiences. His knowledge of the natural environment is complemented by a love of the outdoors and watercolor painting, through which he captures the distinctive character and beauty of Southwest Florida.

Richard's extensive experience as an educator and interpreter, along with his commitment to conservation and the islands he has called home for more than three decades, brings a valuable perspective to the CIHS Board and its mission of preserving and sharing Captiva's remarkable story.

Captain Brian Holaway has called Captiva home since 1994 and joined the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors in 2021. His lifelong fascination with the history, people, cultures, and natural environment of Southwest Florida has shaped both his career and his community involvement.

Brian spent more than 20 years with Captiva Cruises as a captain and interpretive guide, leading excursions throughout the waters and islands of the region, including regular shelling trips to Cayo Costa State Park. In 2016, he became a full-time independent nature, shelling, and island guide, sharing his knowledge and appreciation of Southwest Florida's waterways, wildlife, history, and people with residents and visitors alike.

His commitment to preserving and interpreting the region extends well beyond the water. Brian helped create the interpretive trail highlighting Calusa culture at the Randell Research Center on Pine Island and has monitored sea turtle nests on Cayo Costa. He has served on the Board of Friends of Cayo Costa State Park since 2013 and was among the Founders Circle of the Randell Research Center.

A certified Florida Master Naturalist, Brian has also contributed articles to Times of the Islands and served as a photo scout and guide for numerous national publications and brands. In 2018, he received the Junonia Award in recognition of his efforts to educate others and foster a greater appreciation for Southwest Florida's natural environment.

Brian's exceptional knowledge of the islands—their history, waterways, wildlife, and people—brings a distinctive perspective to the CIHS Board and helps connect Captiva's natural history with the stories of those who have called these islands home.

Tony Lapi joined the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors in 2019, bringing more than five decades of experience, leadership, and firsthand knowledge of Captiva and Sanibel to the organization.

Tony and his wife, Angie, made the islands their home in the mid-1970s, when he became General Manager of Captiva's historic 'Tween Waters Inn. Over the decades, his career has remained closely connected to the islands and their hospitality industry. As President and CEO of Rochester Resorts, Tony has overseen a collection of longtime island properties, including 'Tween Waters Inn on Captiva and several historic resort properties on Sanibel.

Throughout his career, Tony has also been deeply involved in the civic and nonprofit life of the islands and Southwest Florida. His community service has included leadership and volunteer roles with the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce, Sanibel Community Association, Charitable Foundation of the Islands, Captiva business organizations, United Way, and numerous other community initiatives. His tourism leadership has extended statewide, including serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of VISIT FLORIDA and on the Florida Council of Tourism Leaders.

Tony's decades on Captiva have given him a unique perspective on the island's evolution, its people, its businesses, and the importance of preserving the character and history that make it distinctive. In 2024, he shared many of those experiences in his memoir, Tales of an Innkeeper, generously donating the proceeds from the book to support the work of CIHS.

In recognition of his longstanding commitment to Captiva and his contributions to preserving and supporting the island's heritage, CIHS honored Tony in 2026 as the third recipient of its Betty Anholt Guardian of History Award. His leadership, community commitment, and more than 50 years of lived Captiva history continue to make him an invaluable member of the CIHS Board.

Tom Libonate joined the Captiva Island Historical Society in 2015 and has served as President of its Board of Directors since 2017.

His commitment to the islands extends to several other community organizations. Tom served on the Board of Trustees of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation from 2018 to 2023 and on the Board of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands from 2021 to 2024. He has also served on the Board of the Captiva Island Yacht Club.

His interest in history extends beyond Captiva. In 2025, Tom joined the Board of the Farmington Historical Center  in Connecticut, further reflecting his commitment to preserving and sharing local history.

Prior to retiring in 2010, Tom was Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Ryan Partnership, headquartered in Wilton, Connecticut, which grew to become one of North America's premier marketing agencies. Under his leadership, the agency served many of the world's leading consumer brands, including Unilever, Pillsbury, Nestlé, Heineken, Perrier, Energizer, New Balance, and GlaxoSmithKline.

Bob Rando joined the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors in 2026, bringing more than three decades of maritime experience, business leadership, and a deep connection to Captiva and its waters.

Bob began his maritime career working aboard charter and commuter ferries in Boston Harbor, where he met his future wife, Jenny. In 1992, he relocated to Captiva and joined Captiva Cruises as captain of the Lady Chadwick, beginning a career that would become closely intertwined with the island and its maritime heritage.

Working alongside Captiva Cruises founder Paul McCarthy, Bob developed a deep appreciation for Southwest Florida's barrier islands, their history and natural environment, and the importance of sharing those experiences with residents and visitors. Over the years, his role with Captiva Cruises grew from captain to leadership of one of the islands' longstanding businesses.

Following McCarthy's passing in 2016, Bob and Jenny, together with Brad and Leslie Junghans, acquired Captiva Cruises and McCarthy's Marina. Since assuming leadership in 2018, they have continued the company's commitment to environmental stewardship, educational experiences, community involvement, and introducing generations of visitors to the islands and waterways of Southwest Florida.

Bob's longstanding connection to Captiva Cruises also reflects a special connection to CIHS. The Lady Chadwick has hosted numerous Historical Society programs and history cruises, while McCarthy's Marina itself is part of Captiva's history. Bob's decades on the water and firsthand knowledge of Captiva's maritime traditions bring a valuable perspective to the CIHS Board.

Jenny Rando joined the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors in 2026, bringing decades of experience in maritime tourism, environmental stewardship, business leadership, and community engagement.

Jenny's maritime career began in Boston, where she worked in the charter boat industry and met her future husband, Bob, while the two were working aboard vessels in Boston Harbor. She moved to Sanibel in 2000 and joined Captiva Cruises in 2002, beginning a longstanding relationship with Captiva and Southwest Florida's barrier islands.

Working alongside Captiva Cruises founder Paul McCarthy, Jenny developed a strong appreciation for protecting the islands' natural environment while helping residents and visitors discover their history, wildlife, and unique sense of place. Those values have remained central to her work with Captiva Cruises and her involvement in the island community.

Following McCarthy's passing in 2016, Jenny and Bob, together with Brad and Leslie Junghans, acquired Captiva Cruises and McCarthy's Marina. Since assuming leadership in 2018, they have continued to build upon the company's traditions of environmental education, stewardship, memorable island experiences, and community involvement.

Jenny's longstanding relationship with Captiva and her commitment to conservation, education, and community bring valuable experience to the CIHS Board. Her belief in preserving what makes these islands distinctive complements the Society's mission to preserve and share Captiva's history for generations to come.

Ginny Reiss brings to the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors extensive experience as an educator, mentor, and program developer, along with a longstanding connection to Captiva and a deep appreciation for the island's history.

During her career in education, Ginny taught and developed programs in school systems in both Colorado and Ohio. An important part of her work involved mentoring educators in transforming research and complex subject matter into information that could be presented in clear, interesting, and engaging ways—experience that translates naturally to CIHS's mission of interpreting and sharing Captiva's history.

Ginny's commitment to Captiva extends throughout the community. A longtime island volunteer. On the CIHS Board, she coordinates hospitality for the CIHS's programs and special events, helping create a welcoming experience for members and guests. She also serves on the Board of the Captiva Library and has held leadership roles within island homeowners associations. Her professional experience beyond education includes serving as an officer of ami+partners, a Florida-based marketing services company.

Ginny and her husband, Mark, have divided their time between Captiva and Golden, Colorado, since 1999, spending an increasing amount of time on the island over the years.

Through her educational background, communication skills, and longstanding involvement in the Captiva community, Ginny brings a valuable perspective to CIHS and its continuing efforts to make the island's history informative, engaging, and accessible to a broad audience.

Nancy Riley joined the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors in 2018, bringing a background in education and technology along with a longstanding connection to Sanibel and Captiva.

A retired Florida educator, Nancy spent much of her career helping students and adults integrate technology into education. At CIHS, she puts that experience to work coordinating the Society's digital communications and newspaper advertising, helping CIHS connect with the community and share Captiva's history with an ever-wider audience.

Nancy's commitment to the islands extends to their natural environment. She has volunteered at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where she has shared her appreciation of the islands and their unique environment with visitors. She has also volunteered with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, including serving as a sea turtle monitor on Sanibel and Captiva, and as a Shell Ambassador with the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.

Nancy's combination of communications expertise, technological knowledge, and dedication to the islands helps CIHS bring Captiva's history to life and share it with audiences both within the community and beyond.

Mary Jane Vinson joined the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors in 2017, bringing a longstanding connection to Captiva and a strong commitment to community involvement and volunteerism.

Mary Jane and her family purchased their Captiva home in 1989 and began spending the season on the island in 2002. Her early community involvement included volunteering with the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, where she served for several years as a docent in its elementary school education program.

At CIHS, Mary Jane has devoted much of her time to the Events Committee, serving as co-chair with Dave Jensen and working closely with Queenie Jensen to conceive, plan, and organize the diverse and distinctive schedule of seasonal programs for which CIHS has become known. She later assumed leadership of the committee and continues to guide the development of programs and special events that bring Captiva's history to life and serve as one of the primary ways the CIHS fulfills its mission of sharing history.

Mary Jane also coordinated CIHS's weekly Looking Back historical articles for the Island Sun, helping share stories and images from Captiva's past with the broader community until the newspaper ceased publication in 2022.

Her community involvement extends beyond CIHS. Mary Jane has served for many years on the Sunset Captiva Board, including as Secretary, and joined the Captiva Civic Association Board in 2025, where she is involved with events and activities. During season, she also teaches weekly mahjong classes at the CCA.

Mary Jane's organizational skill and enthusiasm helps shape the programs and experiences through which CIHS shares Captiva's history with the community.

Jewel Jensen originally joined the Captiva Island Historical Society Board of Directors in 2018, bringing the energy, organizational skills, curiosity, and love of history that have characterized her involvement with historical organizations wherever she lives.

A retired educator with a natural enthusiasm for research and sharing what she learns, Jewel quickly became involved in preserving and interpreting island history when she and husband Kevin made Sanibel their year-round home. She served on the Sanibel Historic Preservation Committee, volunteered as a docent at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, and served as a Shell Ambassador at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. She also volunteered with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation as a sea turtle monitor.

During her time on the CIHS Board, Jewel applied her research and educational skills to a variety of projects, including grant writing and the development of docent-led walking tours of historic Captiva. 

After Jewel and Kevin relocated to Geneva, Illinois, to be closer to their grandchildren, she continued her commitment to historic preservation. She served on the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission from 2021 to 2026 and became deeply involved with the Geneva History Museum as a Board member, officer, docent, and archives volunteer. More recently, her work with the Fontana Public Library in Wisconsin has included organizing archives, conducting historical research, and helping make archival materials more accessible and useful to the public.

During extended winter stays on the islands in recent years, Jewel has reconnected with CIHS and resumed researching, developing, and leading the CIHS's historic walking tour program. Her continuing research has uncovered fascinating details about Captiva's people and places, including little-known aspects of the life of William Binder, Captiva's first homesteader, adding new depth to the stories CIHS is able to share.

Jewel now continues her work with CIHS as a member of the Advisory Committee, where she is responsible for the FIHS's walking tour programs.

Since 2017, acclaimed documentarian and award-winning broadcast journalist Ken Sneeden has played a central role in bringing Captiva's history to life for the Captiva Island Historical Society through film, video, and multimedia storytelling.

Ken brings to CIHS an extensive career in television journalism and production. He spent 15 years as an anchor, reporter, and producer for television news organizations in Florida and North Carolina. At WINK-TV in Fort Myers, he served as a news producer and anchor before becoming the station's station manager. In 1991, he founded Ken Sneeden & Associates, a Fort Myers-based multimedia production company specializing in video and visual storytelling.

As CIHS's documentarian, Ken combines extensive historical research, rare archival photographs and film, and firsthand recollections to create compelling documentaries that preserve the voices, experiences, and stories of the people who have shaped Captiva and the surrounding islands. His work has been instrumental in building CIHS's Captiva Memoriesdocumentary collection and making island history accessible to audiences both today and for generations to come.

Ken also leads CIHS's Share Your Story initiative, recording video interviews with longtime islanders to capture their personal memories, experiences, and recollections for the Society's archives. These firsthand accounts preserve an invaluable part of Captiva's history in the voices of those who experienced it.

Ken's contributions extend well beyond documentary filmmaking. He is responsible for much of the historical video and film incorporated into CIHS programs and creates many of the multimedia presentations that accompany the Society's live events. He also frequently serves as program host and master of ceremonies, helping connect audiences with the people, images, and stories being presented.

Through his journalistic experience, storytelling skills, and ability to weave archival materials with personal recollections, Ken has helped establish film and multimedia as an important part of how CIHS preserves, interprets, and shares Captiva's history.