Next week, SCCF enters a new era as James Evans (pictured at left) becomes Environmental Policy Director on Sept. 8, joined by Chad Gillis (pictured at right) as Policy Advocate. 

Evans comes to SCCF after serving as Director of Natural Resources with the City of Sanibel, and Gillis, from the Naples Daily News and News-Press where he reported on the environment. Each of them brings 20 years of experience in water quality, land management, and Everglades restoration issues to their new roles.

“We are excited to welcome them to our SCCF family and to take our policy work to a new level with this supercharged team,” said CEO Ryan Orgera.

Evans and Gillis will work with Policy Assistants Leah Reidenbach, who has a strong background in water quality science and science communication, and Holly Schwartz, who worked in management with Lee County Government for 21 years and specializes in legislative and growth management issues.

The team is excited to carry forth the policy work established over the past 14 years by Natural Resources Policy Director Rae Ann Wessel, who retired in May. Our new colleagues are also eager to deepen and expand the advocacy efforts needed to restore and protect our region’s waterways.