Meet the Leadership Marco Class of 2023

The learning, camaraderie and fun are underway for the Leadership Marco class of 2023. 

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. 

This is the 21st year for the annual program, which began in 2001 but had to skip 2020 due to the Covid epidemic. Sessions start in July and conclude shortly before Thanksgiving. 

“This is the youngest class of Marco Island professionals we've ever had,” said Donna Niemczyk, Leadership Marco’s Program and Events Manager, and the chamber’s administrative coordinator. “And they are all clicking. I mean, they all get along well together and they're enthusiastic.” 

Leadership Marco is one of the chamber’s most popular offerings, said Diana Dohm, the organization’s executive director.

“It's the premier program and it’s always the most fun,” she added. “We in the chamber are very proud to be able to educate these young and upcoming professionals and leaders of Marco Island.”

Dohm said there’s always a waiting list of people interested in taking part in Leadership Marco. Anyone interested in joining a future class should contact Donna Niemczyk at donna@marcoislandchamber.org. 

Below are brief biographies of the members of this year’s 10-member class: 

Terin Badour is a Manager at CJ’s on the Bay. She attended college at Central Michigan University, Mid-Michigan Community College and Florida SouthWestern. “I worked in Adult Foster Care for 10 years in Michigan prior to moving to Florida. My certification did not follow me so I jumped into the restaurant industry.” Badour has been with the Phelan Family (Naples-based Phelan Family Brands) for 10 years.

Paola De Aza has been a staff accountant at Rogers Wood Hill Starman and Gustason for five years, specializing in working with small businesses and individual clients. She is also the Treasurer of the Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation.

Christopher R. Heflin is an attorney at Woodward, Pires and Lombardo. “I was born in Naples but spent most of my life in Texas. Married my high school sweetheart. We have three children. We moved back to Southwest Florida to attend law school at Ave Maria University.” 

April Holland is the Operations Manager at the Marco Island Historical Society. “My main responsibilities are to oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization. I look forward to contributing to the growth and development of our community.”

Brittany Jensen is a server at Mango’s Dockside Bistro. “I previously ran Flight Gymnastics Academy in Daytona Beach. I enjoy writing, running and working with kids.”

Nikki Popoff Cosmetologist/Salon Coordinator, Rick’s Island Salon and Day Spa. “I have grown up on Marco Island. I work at the family business, Rick’s Island Salon and Day Spa. I love being involved with and a part of our community.”

Michael Richards is a product owner at Johnson & Johnson and has a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He’s an active member of the YMCA and an “avid pickleball player.”

Derric F. Stull is the President-Owner of Ridge Valley Exteriors. Educated at Purdue University, Derric is a member of Christ Community Church in Naples, Owens Corning Platinum Advisory Board, Marco Island Rotary, GA Contracting Association and the Florida Roofing Contractor Association.

Joan Taylor is the City Clerk for the City of Marco Island, just coming on board in June 2023. Previously, she was a Police Accreditation and Grants Manager and a Police Records Clerk.

Mac Toth is the Membership Director at the YMCA of Collier County. “Raised in a small Pennsylvania town, I developed a deep affection for Marco Island from an early age.” Toth was a member of the 25th Anniversary Marco Island Celebration Committee.