Future Leaders

The Leadership Marco program is underway for the class of 2024, offering participants a chance to learn about the Marco Island community through a series of full-day sessions. 

Leadership Marco is a Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce program that teaches participants about the community through a series of mandatory full-day sessions that include the history of the island, its media outlets, law enforcement and the fire-rescue departments, the hospitality industry, economy, education, government (including transportation and infrastructure), agriculture, the environment, and the city’s urgent care facilities.

Activities began in late July and will conclude on November 20 for the 11 people in this year’s class. 

“Everyone is excited, engaging, and curious,” said Donna Niemczyk, Leadership Marco’s Program and Events Manager, and the chamber’s administrative coordinator. “They bonded right out of the gate.”

This is the 21^st year for the program, which began in 2001 but had to skip 2020 due to the Covid epidemic. She said the program is popular because of its blend of local knowledge and networking opportunities. “The class has the opportunity to see and do things they otherwise would not be able to do,” she added. 

Classes usually have ten to 12 participants and a waiting list of people interested in taking part is the norm. Anyone interested in joining a future class should contact Donna Niemczyk at 239-250-3381 or donna@marcoislandchamber.org.

Wendy Bahner:

Job and professional background: Clinic Manager III for Physicians Regional Medical Group.

Educational Background: High school graduate, Madison, Connecticut. Medical assistant certification, Branford, Connecticut. 

Hometown: Born and raised on the Connecticut shoreline. Living in Naples since April of 2023. 

Community Involvement: Still getting my feet wet with community involvement, hence the Leadership Marco program. 

Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family and exploring Naples.

Why taking part in Leadership Marco: Leadership Marco is a great way to not only learn about Marco Island and its community but also to meet other professionals in the area. 

Lisa Consolo

I grew up in Michigan, where I received my bachelor’s degree in finance from Walsh College.

As a computer programmer, turned kitchen designer, and now bookkeeper, it’s easy to see that for me, there is “a place for everything and everything in its place.”

I grew up in suburbia outside Detroit and have lived in Texas, Colorado and Virginia before moving to Marco Island. I’ve been visiting Marco since 2003, when my parents bought a condo, and have always considered Marco to be my second home, until making it permanent in 2021.

My hobbies are genealogy, painting, kayaking, and hanging out with family and all the great people, now friends, I’ve met on Marco Island.

You can find me in the Marco Island Historical Museum Gift Shop on Saturdays. Stop by and say hi. Cheers!

Sean Duggan

Job and professional background: Owner of SkyRun Vacation Rentals.

Educational background: Two associate’s degrees in engineering from the State University of New York-Alfred), and a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering, and MBAs in science, engineering and technology management, along with systems engineering from Arizona State University. 

Hometown: Grew up in Buffalo, New York. I have resided in North Naples for six years. 

Current Community Involvement: Marco Island Area Association of Realtors, Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce and Marco Island Noontime Rotary. 

Hobbies: Sports (golf, rugby, football, hockey, skiing, tennis, fishing), reading books (spiritual and business), continuous learning, family, friends, faith and networking.

Why taking part in Leadership Marco: Intention for my business to be part of the community, to learn more about the island's socio-cultural nuances and history, to better support the community, and to meet others who want to promote and participate in philanthropic and civic impact. 

Margo Heidenreich

Job and professional background: I am the proud principal at Marco Island Charter Middle School. 

Educational background: I have degrees in speech communication and Spanish, and my master's degree is in curriculum and instruction.

Hometown: I grew up in Plymouth, Minnesota and lived for several years in North Carolina before making Marco Island-Naples my home since 2006.

Current Community Involvement: Over the years, I have enjoyed volunteering with my children's youth groups as a "concession mom" at Lely High School and I love to ring handbells in church.

Hobbies: I enjoy golfing, board games and cooking.

Why taking part in Leadership Marco: I have been a part of Marco Island for 18 years and I don't really know too much about it. I felt that this would be an amazing opportunity to learn more about our beautiful island and the people who make it work.

Deb Henry

For 30 years, I owned a specialty construction company in Southampton, Pennsylvania. I was raised about 45 minutes north of Philadelphia in a little town called Churchville. Growing up, my family spent lots of time in the Poconos, the beaches in New Jersey, and skiing out west. I spent my entire career working for the family business, improving the firm, from my father’s ownership to mine with technology, bonding employee relationships, financial responsibility, being the only women-owned specialty company in the state, and attaining casino licenses in Pennsylvania., New Jersey and Maryland. I started working for Tracorp when I was 20 years old, going to school at night until I attained my associate’s degree in business management from Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Pennsylvania. 

I met my husband through work, as he was a long-time client. We were married on Marco Island in 2003. Our daughter was born in 2005. At that time, we purchased our first property on Marco Island, and this beautiful place became our consistent vacation destination, our home away from home. 

Upon retiring in 2019, we moved into our vacation home, and I became involved with the community, first at St. John Neumann Catholic High School, which my daughter attended. Then, I joined the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce through the Democratic Women's Club of Marco. This introduced me to many other opportunities on the island. I am now a member of the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary, a volunteer with Our Daily Bread, Little Pink Houses, Meals of Hope and for the Souper Bowl. I was then asked to join the City of Marco Island’s Audit Advisory Board and most recently, I joined the board of directors for Avow Hospice. 

My hobbies here on Marco include community service, going to the beach, entertaining local friends and guests, along with boating and golf.

I have wanted to be a part of Leadership Marco since before moving to Marco full-time. I have many friends that have participated since its inception. They gained knowledge and friendships that will last a lifetime. There is so much history and people with amazing life experiences to share here. I consider myself very lucky to be a part of the Class of 2024.

Becky Irwin

Community Involvement: Irwin is a member of the Marco Island City Council.

Why taking part in Leadership Marco: As a city councilor, it's extremely important to understand the community from all aspects. Leadership Marco provides an in-depth experience exploring the many facets that make up our community. It's a priceless experience and invaluable education in leadership for someone in my position. I know from my experiences with Leadership Collier (2022) and Leadership Broward that I will gain a unique perspective that will enhance my ability to serve the citizens as a city councilor and will enrich my life and enjoyment of my home, Marco Island.

Dominico Palma

Job and professional background: Associate attorney at Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A., focusing on trust and estate law, business law and real estate law. I have been an attorney for two years. I served in the Florida Army National Guard as a platoon leader for four-and-a-half years.

Educational background: Received a B.S. in business administration, with a concentration in marketing and a minor in military science from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania in 2019. I received my juris doctor (J.D.) from Ave Maria School of Law in 2022.

Hometown: I am from Roseto, Pennsylvania, but have been a full-time resident of Collier County since 2019.

Current Community Involvement: Active member in the national and Florida Italian American Bar Associations, the Collier County Bar Association, Young Professionals of Naples and the Naples Italian American Foundation.

Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, golfing and traveling

Why taking part in Leadership Marco: I chose to take part in Leadership Marco to gain a better understanding of the community and its history. I strongly believe community is what helps us live longer, happier and healthier lives, and we each have a responsibility to give back to our community.

Anthony Richards

I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but grew up right outside Philadelphia. I didn’t finish high school, but I do have a GED and an HVAC certification. I took the path of working with my hands instead of using my brain to achieve my life goals. After I left school, I started working at an Italian bread bakery named Buono Brothers Bakery. We supplied bread for all the schools in my local area and also for a lot of mom-and-pop stores. I worked at this company for almost seven years and until I decided to move on. After that, I did a lot of different things, from sanitation to distribution, but nothing seemed to work out. That’s when my family asked me to move to Marco to try and get a fresh start. I never looked back. Life is a lot better now that I’m here and I’m doing things I never thought possible, one being this program, Leadership Marco. Thank you to everyone who thought this would be a good eye-opener for me. I’m so glad I said yes.

John Riley

Job and professional background: Director of Capital Initiatives for the YMCA of Collier County. Currently focused on expanding healthy living facilities on the Marco Island campus. A 30-year career in nonprofit management and fundraising. Have consulted with over thirty Southwest Florida charities as owner and operator of Riley Philanthropy

Educational background: Bachelor of Arts, International Studies from Emory University in Atlanta. Studied abroad at Oxford University, focusing on politics, history and economics. A master’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management, from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Earned a Certified Fund Raising Executive designation 15 years ago.

Hometown: Born in Amory, Mississippi and raised in the Atlanta area. Moved to Naples in 2010 and to Marco in 2012. 

Current Community Involvement: Marco Island Noontime Rotary and Leadership Marco. 

Hobbies: Boating, fishing, hiking and trivia

Why taking part in Leadership Marco: Both of my children, Jack and Ella, graduated from Marco Island Academy in May and are starting college this fall. As a new empty-nester, I have more time to focus on community involvement. Our YMCA prioritizes understanding and responding to our local community needs. The Y’s leadership encouraged me to become involved with the chamber and Leadership Marco.

Jill Sandberg

Job and professional background: My husband and I own Mockups You, a packaging company. We provide a visual working sample of our customers products so that they may review the format, layout, or content. The mockup illustrates what the final outcome will look like. I also work part-time at the YMCA and Marco Fitness.

Past employment includes 35 years in the hospitality industry (Hilton and Marriott Hotels) as a convention services manager, as well as stints as a sales manager, property and assistant manager, as an event coordinator and as a licensed cosmetologist. 

Educational Background: The American Beauty College of Cosmetology, a Professional Hotel Training Program, Winning Edge Level 1, Winning Edge Advanced Level 2, Yes I Can Service and Leadership. 

Hometown: Hometown is De Pere, Wisconsin. Full-time Marco resident for five-and-a-half years. 

Community Involvement: Incoming president of the Marco Kiwanis Club, board member and special events co-chair for the Marco Island Newcomers Club, social chair for the Marco Island Noontime Rotary a two-time Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award participant, board member for the Marco Island Fire Foundation, board member for Christmas Island Style - Santa's Elves, winner of Noontime Rotary’s 2023 Spirit of Marco Island Award, with my husband Arne Sandberg. 

Hobbies: Volunteering, boating, scuba diving, reading, Counted Cross-stitch and going to the movies.

Why taking part in Leadership Marco: I'm participating in Leadership Marco to deepen my understanding of effective leadership and community dynamics. As someone who is deeply involved in volunteering, I believe this program will enhance my ability to serve the community effectively. By gaining new insights and skills, I hope to make a greater impact in my volunteer efforts and contribute to the continued growth and well-being of Marco Island. I'm also looking to create stronger relationships with our community leaders and to develop long-lasting friendships with my fellow participants in this year's class.

Rachel Schenk 

Job and professional background: I am the banking center manager for the Marco branch of First Horizon Bank – formerly known as Iberia Bank. I have been in the banking business for more than twenty years. After I graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s in business administration, I was hired by NationsBank (Bank of America) on Marco Island, which started my banking career.

Educational background & Hometown: I was born and raised in Germany. I have five brothers and two sisters. We were fortunate enough to attend an American School (known as Munich International School) in Germany. I moved to Marco Island in 1982 and never left – except for USF.

Current Community Involvement: Marco Island Sunrise Rotary, Marco Island Christmas House and Business Decorating Committee, the American Cancer Society board and a volunteer for the organization. 

Hobbies: Tennis at the YMCA of South Collier - Marco YMCA, watching sunsets on any Marco Island beach, cooking, bicycling, visiting the mountains of Georgia or North Carolina for two weeks on an annual basis. 

Why taking part in Leadership Marco: I am honored to be a part of Leadership Marco. I wanted to join for several reasons. One: I have lived on Marco Island for 35 years. Two: Marco Island is a special place for our family, and I wanted to learn more about our community and its environment, such as its history. Three: meeting other local professionals and establishing new relationships. I heard great things about this program and wanted to be recognized as one of Marco Island’s leaders. I reached out to the chamber and got accepted the following year. Thank you, Marco Island Chamber of Commerce! Thank you, Donna (Niemczyk, the chamber’s programs and events manager) and Dianna (Dohm, the chamber’s executive director)!