Leadership Sarasota Names Five Honorees for 2026 Outstanding Leadership Awards
Five Sarasota-area leaders whose work spans nonprofit service, hospitality, healthcare and civic engagement will be recognized during Leadership Sarasota’s 2026 Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards luncheon.
The annual event will take place Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Michael’s On East, located at 1212 S. East Avenue in Sarasota.
Presented by Leadership Sarasota, a program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the luncheon recognizes people whose professional accomplishments, volunteer service and commitment to the community have helped make Sarasota a stronger place to live and work. The program continues the Chamber’s work developing community leaders, including the Adult Leadership Sarasota program.
The 2026 honorees are:
- Lucy Nicandri — Lifetime of Leadership Award
- Fiona Farrell — Impact in Action Award
- Kari Queen — Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award
- David Verinder — Community Catalyst Award
- Heather Todd — Civic Champion Award
The gathering is expected to bring together Leadership Sarasota graduates, Chamber members, nonprofit representatives, business professionals, public-sector leaders and residents for an afternoon of recognition and community connection.
Recognizing Different Forms of Leadership
Leadership Sarasota traditionally presents three awards specifically honoring graduates of its leadership-development program.
The Lifetime of Leadership Award recognizes a Leadership Sarasota alumnus whose career, community involvement and long-term commitment to service have created a lasting legacy.
The Impact in Action Award celebrates an alumnus who is currently leading meaningful change and helping shape Sarasota’s future.
The Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award honors an alumnus whose continued involvement and service have strengthened Leadership Sarasota and its mission.
For 2026, Leadership Sarasota expanded the program by adding the Community Catalyst Award and Civic Champion Award.
Unlike the three alumni awards, recipients of the two new honors are not required to have graduated from Leadership Sarasota. The change allows the organization to recognize influential leaders from throughout the Sarasota community.
The Community Catalyst Award honors someone whose philanthropy, volunteerism and commitment to giving back have made a meaningful local difference.
The Civic Champion Award recognizes leadership and public service in education, government or another public-sector field.
Meet the 2026 Honorees
Lucy Nicandri: Lifetime of Leadership Award
Lucy Nicandri is the executive director of Suncoast Charities for Children, a Sarasota nonprofit that supports services and facilities benefiting children, teens and adults with special needs.
Nicandri has spent decades working in nonprofit management, fundraising and community-event production. Her Sarasota-area service has included leading large public events, developing charitable partnerships and coordinating volunteers, sponsors and government agencies.
She joined Suncoast Charities for Children as executive director in 2009 after earlier leadership and special-events positions with organizations including United Way of Sarasota County and The Florida Center.
Her previous recognition has included the Sarasota Sunrise Rotary Club’s David R. Mills “Service Above Self” Award and an honor from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Southwest Florida Chapter.
The Lifetime of Leadership Award recognizes the sustained community impact of her nonprofit career and her long-standing advocacy for people with special needs and their families.
Fiona Farrell: Impact in Action Award
Fiona Farrell serves as chief operating officer of Gecko’s Hospitality Group, the locally based restaurant company behind Gecko’s Grill & Pub and other Sarasota-Manatee dining concepts.
Farrell has held a variety of operational and management roles during her career with the company, helping oversee restaurant operations, employee development, guest service and community partnerships.
Gecko’s Hospitality Group has maintained a visible presence in local charitable and civic initiatives, including partnerships supporting schools, youth programs, nonprofit organizations and first responders.
The Impact in Action Award recognizes a Leadership Sarasota graduate who is actively producing meaningful change and demonstrating leadership through current professional and community work.
Kari Queen: Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award
Kari Queen will receive the Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award, which recognizes an alumnus whose ongoing involvement, volunteer service and support have strengthened the leadership program.
The honor reflects an important part of Leadership Sarasota’s work that often occurs outside the public spotlight. Alumni frequently return as volunteers, advisers, speakers and program supporters, helping new classes better understand Sarasota’s institutions, challenges and opportunities.
Queen’s recognition celebrates that continued commitment to developing and connecting future community leaders.
David Verinder: Community Catalyst Award
David Verinder is president and CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, one of the region’s largest public healthcare organizations and employers. Sarasota Memorial recently earned national recognition as one of America’s top health systems.
Verinder has led Sarasota Memorial during a period of significant population growth, healthcare expansion and major community challenges, including hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under his leadership, the health system has continued expanding medical services and facilities to meet the needs of a growing Sarasota County population.
The Community Catalyst Award recognizes not only occupational leadership but also the broader effect that volunteerism, philanthropy and institutional service can have throughout the community.
By selecting Verinder for the newly established honor, Leadership Sarasota is recognizing the role healthcare leadership plays in community stability, preparedness and quality of life.
Heather Todd: Civic Champion Award
Heather Todd will receive the inaugural Civic Champion Award, honoring outstanding leadership and service in education, government or the public sector.
The new category reflects the importance of individuals who work within Sarasota’s civic institutions and help connect residents with the services, information and opportunities that shape the community.
Todd’s selection places her among leaders whose contributions demonstrate that meaningful community leadership is found not only in private business and nonprofit organizations, but also in public service and education.
Building Sarasota’s Next Generation of Leaders
Leadership Sarasota gives participants an inside look at the institutions and issues affecting Sarasota County. The adult program is designed to develop leadership and teamwork skills while introducing class members to local government, education, healthcare, economic development, public safety, arts, human services and other community sectors.
Participants meet with local decision-makers, build professional and civic relationships and work together on a class project intended to leave a lasting community impact. Youth leadership is also supported locally, including scholarships awarded to five Youth Leadership Sarasota students.
According to the Greater Sarasota Chamber, the program’s objectives include identifying future leaders, strengthening communication among established and emerging leaders and encouraging participants to become more involved in community affairs.
The Class of 2026 includes professionals representing businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, financial organizations, law firms and cultural groups from across the Sarasota area.
“Each of this year’s honorees exemplifies the spirit of servant leadership and the commitment to community that Leadership Sarasota strives to cultivate,” said Pete Bartosik, senior program manager for Leadership Sarasota and the Chamber’s Young Professionals Group. “We are honored to celebrate their accomplishments and the positive impact they continue to make throughout our region.”
Tickets and Event Information
The Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards luncheon is open to the public. Leadership Sarasota alumni, business professionals, colleagues, friends and community members may attend.
- Event: Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards 2026
- Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
- Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Location: Michael’s On East Restaurant & Catering
- Address: 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34239
Tickets are:
- $95 for active Leadership Sarasota alumni
- $110 for Chamber members, nonmembers and guests
The Chamber notes that cancellations must be received at least 48 hours before the event.
Willis Smith Construction is listed as the presenting sponsor. Other event supporters include Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning & Heating, Keiser University, Mote Science Education Aquarium, Observer Media Group, Regions Bank, Suncoast Charities for Children and several additional community organizations.
For registration and complete event information, visit the Greater Sarasota Chamber event page.
For sponsorship information, contact Pete Bartosik at pbartosik@sarasotachamber.com or call 941-556-4039.
Additional information is available on the Leadership Sarasota website.
Leadership That Moves Sarasota Forward
Sarasota’s growth depends on more than new construction, business expansion or population increases. It also depends on people willing to accept responsibility, work across organizational boundaries and invest their time in improving the community.
The 2026 Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards highlight five individuals whose contributions represent different forms of leadership—from nonprofit service and hospitality management to healthcare administration, civic engagement and support for future leaders.
By honoring both Leadership Sarasota alumni and individuals from the wider community, this year’s expanded awards program offers a broader picture of the people helping Sarasota respond to today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
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