CCA Board of Governors
President – Pam Rosen
Pam Rosen was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Chicago in 1993. She has two grown sons, both married, and two grandchildren. As a stay-at-home mom, she worked many years on PTO-PTA fundraising boards and served as a team manager for many of her boys baseball and soccer teams. She also worked on the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Volunteer Bureau, a United Way Agency assisting not-for-profit agencies throughout Lake County, Illinois.
Mrs. Rosen played competitive tennis on USTA 4.0-4.5 teams for 20 years. In her free time, she loves walking, reading, yoga and pickleball. Pam and her husband Jon are now Florida residents living happily on Captiva with their dog Buddy.
Vice President – Merni Libonate
Merni Libonate began her career in sports marketing – representing corporate clients who had purchased the naming rights to ATP, PGA, NFL and NHL events. Tired of constant travel, she became a personal assistant to Katie Couric at the TODAY Show. Her last position before retirement was as manager of the philanthropic endeavors of a New York City investment advisor who was also a patron and generous donor to the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, The Salzburg Festival and the Paris Opera.
She currently lives on Captiva Island with her sweetheart and husband, Tom, and Dixie, the world’s sweetest pup.
Secretary – Wendy Childers
Wendy Childers has been a part-time resident of Captiva since 1998. She lives the other half of the year in Normandy Beach on another barrier island. She is a licensed real estate broker/administrator with Childers Sotheby’s International Realty. She’s also a volunteer with Caregivers of Central Jersey and is an Elder at Pt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church.
In her free time she enjoys cooking, entertaining, yoga, biking, and is enjoying learning pickleball. She also loves hanging with her three grandkids, one who lives in Spain. With her husband Lee, she loves boating, traveling and walking their dog, Tashi, on Captiva beach with all his furry friends.
Treasurer – Dave Saunders
Dave Saunders grew up on a small dairy farm in SE Michigan and after working for Chrysler Corporation Engineering in Detroit, Dave obtained his MBA from the University of Notre Dame and accepted a position in Product Development at the Ford Motor Company. After many varying Ford Motor Corporate assignments in North America and Europe, Dave became the Director of Real Estate for Ford Motor until his retirement.
Dave first visited Captiva in the early 1980’s and fell in love with the island’s South Seas “ambiance,” the quiet unspoiled beaches, and beautiful sunsets. He and his wife, Jacki, purchased their first Captiva home in 1984, followed a few years later by a South Seas Resort Gulf Beach Villa investment purchase, a property they still own. It has always been important for Dave to be a part of the community and, in addition to serving on the Board of the CCA, he is presently a Board Member and Vice President of the Captiva Memorial Library, and a member of the Lee County Library Advisory Committee. He also participates in Captiva Island Historical Society events, monthly Captiva Community Panel meetings, and the Captiva Erosion Prevention District meetings. Dave enjoys boating and fishing, participates in the Sanibel Fishing Club activities/tournaments, and is an active member of the Sanibel-Captiva Sail and Power Squadron.
After a rewarding career in commercial and industrial real estate in Michigan, Dave relocated to Captiva and became a residential real estate realtor in 2017. He was awarded the Sanibel-Captiva Information Specialist (SCIS) designation in 2019, and is an active member of the Sanibel Captiva Islands Association of Realtors. You will see Dave, Jacki, and their little dog, CiCi, walking the beach or the Captiva Village roads every day – – be sure to ask them about the CCA!
Pat Boris
Pat Boris was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. She and her husband Mike met and married there, then set out to raise a family and build careers. They raised three great children, have two amazing grandsons, and are blissful in retirement on Captiva. They’ve lived here since 2000, full-time for the last twelve years. Pat and Mike also spend time in San Diego, where the amazing grandsons live.
Mrs. Boris is a retired Nurse Practitioner, having spent her career in hospitals and clinics in New York and Minnesota. She continues to be involved as a volunteer for health and wellness programs among other community involvements. Mrs. Boris serves on the CCA Board of Governors and the CCA Foundation Board of Directors. She enjoys the energy and enthusiasm of the Captiva community which comes together regularly for educational, musical, artistic, and wellness programs. She is a past Board of Associates member of the Chapel by the Sea, serves on its Missions and Outreach Committee and prayer chain. She is a founding member of Interfaith Outreach of San Cap, which supports area people living with memory impairment and their caregivers, is also on the Dubin Center Advisory Board, and volunteers for FISH of San Cap. She very much enjoys living in Sunset Captiva, and serving on its Board of Directors.
Mrs. Boris’ favorite activities include BIG Arts Community Chorus, hiking, and reading. Her most joy-filled moments are with her husband, family, and grandsons.
Rita Ewell
Rita Ewell began her career as a radiographer in Baltimore and upon demonstrating her technical expertise, became an educator and administrator in regional hospitals. This led to private sector opportunities that included managing technical and educational support in the Mammography Division of Thomson-CGR Medical Corporation, a French radiology equipment firm and as a mammography sales specialist for General Electric Medical Systems.
In 1992 Rita formed her own consulting business with a focus on the enhancement of the technical excellence of mammography as a diagnostic tool, while increasing the awareness of the emotional sensitivity of breast related issues. Before her retirement in 2005, Rita was known nationally and abroad for her teaching skills and knowledge. She was a member of the FDA Advisory Committee for Mammography Quality Assurance and named an Honorary Fellow in the Society of Breast Imaging. In retirement Rita continued her work for the betterment of women’s health as the President of the Board of Directors for The Red Devils, a non-profit organization whose mission is to fund support services that improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients and their families. Here on Captiva, Rita is active in the community, serving as President of the Captiva Memorial Library Board, where she and her husband also volunteer. The Ewells also deliver meals for FISH.
Rita and her husband Clay, both born and raised in Baltimore, fell in love with Captiva on their first visit in 1992. They became Florida residents in 2018 and now divide their time between their home on Captiva and a summer getaway on the Delaware coast.
Rosemary Marshall
Rosemary Marshall is a retired Registered Dental Hygienist, currently studying to be a Spiritual Director. She’s been married to Reverend Larry L. Marshall for 44 years, who presently pastors at Captiva Chapel by the Sea. They have three adult children and four amazing, adorable grandchildren. She originally hails from Northeast Ohio, and currently shares her time between Captiva and Brunswick, Ohio.
Ginny Reiss
Ginny Reiss and her husband Mark have been coming to Captiva since 1999. When they aren’t in residence here, they’re enjoying life in the mountains of Colorado. Ginny is a retired third grade elementary school teacher, and was also a mentor for student teachers in Jefferson County, Colorado. She has also been an active member in the Evergreen Animal Protective League. Presently, she serves on the Captiva Island Historical Society board and enjoys focusing on event planning for the organization.
Captiva is a special place for Ginny and her family. Her son was married on Captiva and her grandchildren have spent every Christmas of their lives on the island. “My family and I have lots of history here and are looking forward to what the future holds for us as well as our wonderful friends and community. I am honored to serve on the CCA’s Board of Governors.”
Richard Sonking
Richard Sonking, along with his partner Julia Grant, divide their time between New Hampshire and Captiva. “We first discovered Captiva in 2011 and fell in love with the small tight-knit community. It is a community comprised of interesting people with roots from all over the world that have settled in Captiva where all appreciate the relaxed and simulating environment.”
Mr. Sonking was president and founder of the company Rochard, an importer and distributor of fine China and glass as well as collectibles. He travelled throughout Europe working with various factories and studios developing products distributed by the most prestigious retailers through the country. For 30 years, Richard and Julia were lucky enough to reside in New York City, enjoying all the city had to offer.