East Naples Civic Association Celebrates Citizen of the Year Nominees

The 2022 Annual Dinner Banquet for the East Naples Civic Association (ENCA) has a lot going on! Beside the silent auction to benefit the scholarship fund…beside the official kick-off of the East Naples Civic and Commerce Association…and beside the 2022 Board of Directors Election, the ENCA Annual Dinner Banquet will also announce the Citizen of the Year. The award is presented each year to a shining member of the community. This year’s nominees are well known for their active support and positive impact in the East Naples community. And the nominees are:

Michael Anthony Harp:

US Army, Chief Warrant Officer Four (retired), Senior Army Instructor at Lely High School

Pennsylvania grown, Chief Harp is a multi-award-winning veteran who entered the service in 1982 and retired to Naples in 2009. Since then, he has headed the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp at Lely High School, working with 150 kids in and outside the school setting, teaching military basics, American history and values, and preparing them for potential service to our country. His effectiveness is apparent: Lely High School JROTC graduates fill up most of Florida’s allotment at the Georgia Military Academy each year, with many going on to serve as officers in the Armed Forces. Chief Harp says, “I feel called and honored to work with these fine kids to help make them better people, and our nation a better place to live.”

Rebecca Joan Maddox:

Managing Director, 369 Market LLC

In 2001, Maddox came to Naples from the New York area and saw great potential in Bayshore. Understanding that an upscale business would provide positive economic activity to the area, she opened 360 Market in 2012 in what used to be a rowdy, dockside bar. Next came it’s across-the-canal partner of Celebration Park. The two now provide jobs for 250 people and pour over $15 million into the annual East Naples economy. Most importantly, 360 Market has been instrumental in making Bayshore Drive a prime growth area. There is little doubt that working almost individually, Maddox brought Bayshore into the light as an East Naples destination.

Darrol “Skip” Riffle:

President, Bikes for Tykes, Inc.

Riffle moved to Naples in the late 60’s and for over four decades worked in the auto business; first in sales and then as a dealership owner. In 1985, he started Bikes for Tykes, a nonprofit that provides free bicycles for children in need. In 1999, Riffle was bitten by a Brown Recluse spider, resulting in the loss of his right leg. That didn’t stop his drive to provide bikes for kids. Even during the pandemic, Bikes for Tykes provided hundreds of bicycles for underprivileged children. And last year, with the help of local individuals and businesses, almost 1,000 bikes were given out. This remarkable man continues to make an indelible impact on the less fortunate in East Naples.

Christopher Alan Rozansky:

Executive Director, Naples Airport Authority

Rozansky arrived in Naples in 2016 specifically to direct activities at the Naples Municipal Airport, the largest of the three East Naples airports. His goal has been to make the airport a high-quality facility while maintaining a positive relationship within the East Naples community. Today, the airport accounts for a half billion dollar in economic impact to Naples; with over 100,000 take-offs and landings a year, it employs 130 individuals and participates in a wide range of community activities. Rozansky’s vision, focus and leadership have helped provide a positive impact on East Naples.

Celebrate these four outstanding East Naples citizens and the newly formed East Naples Civic and Commerce on Thursday, January 20 at The Player’s Club and Spa, 8060 Grand Lely Drive in Naples. Cocktails start at 5:30 PM followed by dinner at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $60 per person and available online at www.ENCivicandCommerce.org.