eadership NEXT casts light on water quality at Captains For Clean Water on Jan. 14

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 27, 2019) – Captains For Clean Water, a grassroots nonprofit organization advocating for Florida’s water quality will host the Jan. 14 session of Leadership NEXT, a monthly program for advancing business professionals.
Captains For Clean Water was founded in 2016 by a group of fishing guides and outdoorsmen from Fort Myers that had enough of Florida’s poor water management practices. Through advancing education, awareness and advocacy, Captains For Clean Water fights to ensure that policymakers implement scientifically supported solutions to restore and protect marine ecosystems and Florida’s way of life for future generations.
Participants at Leadership NEXT will learn about the future of our local waterways from Executive Director Capt. Daniel Andrews and Program Director Capt. Chris Wittman while touring Captains For Clean Water’s new office at Collaboratory. Light appetizers and beverages will be provided by Jordan Webster Catering.
A former full-time fishing guide, Andrews saw his business decline with the rise of water quality issues. Mismanagement and lack of awareness in the outdoor community led him to co-found Captains For Clean Water. As executive director, Andrews keeps a steady pulse on Florida water policy and projects, working with elected officials and government agencies to ensure science-based solutions are implemented to restore water quality.
Wittman is a career outdoorsman with over 20 years as a fishing and hunting guide, nationally renowned tournament angler, on-camera host and TV show producer. As a fourth-generation Florida native and co-founder of Captains For Clean Water, Wittman’s professional experience has positioned Captains For Clean Water to engage leading brands and personalities across the industry, collectively mobilizing the outdoor community to take action against water quality issues like never before. As program director, Wittman identifies needs and opportunities to expand the organization’s reach and impact through initiatives, programs and partnerships.
Leadership NEXT runs from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at Captains For Clean Water’s office at Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson Street in Fort Myers. The January program is sponsored by Offshore Sailing School, which will also offer a prize drawing to win a $300 sailing lesson gift certificate.
Attendees of Leadership NEXT represent a variety of businesses and industries throughout Southwest Florida. Monthly sessions take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month and offer opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills, establish working relationships with colleagues and engage in valuable programs and discussions to further enhance their careers. Leadership NEXT’s annual sponsor is the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Association.
Leadership NEXT is free to attend for members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and $10 for future members. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at FortMyers.org and follow “Leadership NEXT” on Facebook for more information.
About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents nearly 800 businesses, professionals and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-2930 or visit www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.