Chief Financial Officer Suzanne Herron joined CCF in 2018 and finds great joy in stewarding donors’ resources in a way that honors their spirit. Previous assignments included seven years with the accounting department of the SPY Museum in Washington, DC and five years as accounting manager at Cintas National Accounts Fire Protection Division. At Cintas, Suzanne was brought in to manage the company’s acquisition of a local business. The century-old Cintas was new to this space and Suzanne managed an organization that was experiencing extreme transition and growth.
In her role as CCF’s CFO, Suzanne interfaces with nearly all of its constituents: donors, volunteers, grantees, scholarship recipients, and community organizations alike. She particularly enjoys working with board and committee members.
Suzanne notes she is continually impressed by the expertise of CCF board members and staffers, all while volunteering time to the community.
With her better half, Dave, Suzanne is currently “between dogs” but they love furry friends. Suzanne is a crafter who spends her free time meditating, playing games, solving puzzles, traveling, and pursuing anything related to Charlotte Harbor and all that Charlotte County has to offer.
Dax Gray joined CCF in 2023. A Marine Corps veteran, Dax worked for 20 years as a cost accountant for the State of Utah and lead staff accountant for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake. A two-year stint as a 5th grade teacher in one of Salt Lake City’s areas of need capped his time in the Beehive State.
Given this teaching experience, it is not surprising Dax is passionate about giving opportunities to disadvantaged communities. He would love to see a Charlotte County school system that is “not just the best in the country but a global model of excellence,” he says. This would include comprehensive pre-K through 12-grade education focusing specifically on early childhood reading, math, and science skills. Before and after-school mentoring would call upon the help of local nonprofits. All Charlotte County students would be eligible for instruction in the trades through advanced degrees with paid tuition throughout the County, regardless of socioeconomic status, if Dax’s vision was realized.
Properly administering the scholarship funds CCF has–including support for not only traditional age students but also adult learners and scholarships to pursue the trades–helps Dax to feel like he is working toward his grand vision.
At CCF, Dax also ensures that donations are administered to the proper fund accounts so they can be released as grants in a timely manner.
Dax, his wife Sandra Gray and their two dogs enjoy Charlotte County life, especially the people and the “amazing” beaches. He is a proud girl dad of two grown daughters.
Kelli enjoys working for nonprofits because it gives her a sense of belonging in her community. Working for CCF has been excellent due to its professionalism and staff expertise since Day One, she notes.
Kelli brought to CCF an extensive background in customer service and providing support to prospecting and existing customers and staff. Her graphic design experience has been invaluable as well, as she also creates professional visuals for the foundation.
Kelli is a professional artist and collects rare and exotic plants. She enjoys taking photos of wildlife, sunsets and nature scenes. Favorite activities include the walking tour of the Punta Gorda Murals, the Peace River Wildlife Center and the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens.
Sherri joined CCF in 2024. She brings experience gained at Florida and New England nonprofit organizations. Sherri loves music; she’s a piano player and songwriter who is learning to play the mandolin. She shares her skills as a volunteer at her church.
The musician also enjoys spending time with her son and two grandsons. She loves that Charlotte County parks are clean and kid-friendly. She extols the amazing scenic water views, especially from her favorite, Bayshore Live Oak Park.
Sherri notes that she is thankful to be part of an organization with a mission of caring for people and making a difference in the community.
Jill is an attorney focused on wills, trusts and estates with expertise in tax laws and a wide variety of business and real estate issues. A 21-year Charlotte County resident, Jill loves the small-town atmosphere and strong camaraderie among residents. As a donor to multiple organizations, Jill brings a philanthropist’s eye to her duties as chair. She believes CCF is an integral tool for connecting residents’ philanthropic interests with the long-term needs of the community.
A 2024 Class inductee to the Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame, Jill has served as a board member of Tidewell Hospice, Bayfront Health Punta Gorda, American Cancer Society, Cultural Center of Charlotte County, Charlotte County Homeless Coalition Foundation and Team Punta Gorda.
When not working or volunteering, Jill loves spending time with her husband Chad, their dog Lucy and cats Izzy and Zoey. Gardening, boating, cooking and traveling are Jill’s happy places.
“CCF must grow in its role as a thriving resource for the philanthropic goals of our citizens.”
With a five-decade career as an administrator, professor, and dean at five state universities— including three years teaching entrepreneurship in Vietnam—Bob was well situated to start his own consulting company. A U.S. Army veteran, Bob built a successful training firm for front-line supervisors and has certified over 100 green belt and black belt candidates in the Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
Bob facilitated CCF’s first strategic plan and has served as the Scholarship Committee Chair. He is a former president of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, past Board president of the St. Andrews South Golf Club, a past Commodore of the Isles Yacht Club and the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs, among many volunteer leadership service roles.
Bob and his wife, Catherine, have been together for more than 25 years and have enjoyed golfing and boating.
“CCF can use its resources to make positive societal changes. There are so many needs in our county that are either under-addressed or not addressed at all.”
Moving to Charlotte County in the early 1990s gave Joann the opportunity to expand her health care career far beyond her years in nursing in Ohio. She worked in a Port Charlotte hospital as a director of a rehabilitation unit, then moved into home health services, which became her passion. After co-founding a staffing agency, she became involved with the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and served on several Chamber committees. A 2001 graduate of Leadership Charlotte, JoAnn served on boards of the Charlotte Symphony, Charlotte Arts and Humanities Council, and C.A.R.E.
Since JoAnn joined the CCF board in 2024, her goal has been to engage more of the medical community. She’s growing her knowledge of the foundation and enjoys working to make it even better for the community.
JoAnn started a book club during the pandemic, and loves her pool and beach time, as well as cooking and nature walks.
“I envision CCF as the premier foundation in our SW Florida region”
Kim is a certified public accountant with Joiner & Savasuk, CPAs, PLLC. With 24 years of experience, Kim focuses on individual, corporate, partnership, nonprofit and trust tax return preparation as well as tax planning and consulting. She has served as a member of CCF’s Finance and Audit Committee and also chaired the Board of Directors.
A 35-year county resident, Kim loves living and working in Charlotte County because she believes it’s a great place both to raise a family and run a business. She loves the close-knit feel of the community and feels very connected to her fellow residents. Kim and her husband enjoy spending time with their daughter and two Goldendoodles. She also has a passion for running, boating and traveling.
“CCF must continue its drive toward sustainability and making positive changes for Charlotte County.”
As a financial advisor for three decades, Laura helps people plan their lives in ways that are meaningful to them, then powers it with their finances. She services as a CCF director to help foster a vibrant community that supports broad-based prosperity and sustainability.
A ninth-generation Floridian, Luara appreciates charlotte county for its modern amenities, its connection to nature, great neighborhoods, local businesses and community activities. Laura has two sons, two granddaughters, and a miniature Dachshund. She loves snow skiing, paddleboarding, boating, travel, yoga and meditation.
“CCF can be a permanent source of community capital: a growing savings account for our community that addresses our ever-changing needs and societal growth.”
Deelynn has served the Charlotte County Public Schools for more than 40 years as an educator and administrator. Her goal remains to help prepare all learners to lead productive and prosperous lives while embracing differences and promoting self-accountability.
She serves as a CCF board member for the opportunity it affords her to contribute to decision-making, organizational direction, and make a positive impact within the community.
Deelynn has been married to Herb Bennett for 39 years. Their three sons and eight grandchildren, from ages 3 through 20, keep them busy. Deelynn also enjoys cycling, hiking and paddleboarding. She loves Charlotte County for its sense of belonging, family environment, access to beaches, and its cultural and natural amenities.
“Transparency, accountability and effective collaboration with all stakeholders will make CCF one of the strongest foundations in Southwest Florida.”
Debra (Deb) has worked in the financial industry for more than 30 years, first with Discover Card and the last 20 years in the investment management sector in Punta Gorda. She is currently the COO at Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management and has served on the board for St. Andrew Catholic School and the School Board of the Diocese of Venice.
Deb loves Charlotte County’s small-town atmosphere and serves with CCF to make a difference in her community. Committed to the area for 20 years, the Western Michigan University graduate and her husband have a son and dog and enjoy the warmth and water.
“CCF will move forward as a leader in the charitable sector of Charlotte County.”
Reppard has helped people and families for the last 23 years in the financial services industry, currently serving as an assistant vice president and trust officer with Caldwell Trust Company in Venice. He serves on the CCF Finance & Audit Committee and on the boards of YoungLife and Pregnancy Solutions and is a graduate of Leadership Charlotte.
An area resident for 20 years, Reppard and his wife enjoy time with their children as well as two horses and a cat named Fern. Their hobbies revolve around “everything outdoors, kind of like a Luke Bryan country song,” says Reppard. The family volunteers with their church and at Easterseals Southwest Florida, an equine therapy facility in Nokomis.
“CCF is positioned to be a significant player in the Florida market and to make a significant impact in Charlotte County.”
