Description

Southwest Florida is known for its vibrant senior population, but this growing demographic presents challenges and opportunities for our community. This moderated panel discussion will feature experts from senior care organizations to shine a light on the realities of aging in Southwest Florida. Experts will discuss key issues impacting seniors, innovative solutions, trends in care and lifestyle, and how community members can play a role in enhancing the lives of older adults. 

Moderator: Susan "Sue" Ryan - Co-Founder, The Caregiver’s Journey® + Founder & Inspirationalist, Sue Ryan Solutions

Sue’s mission is to empower and embolden individuals to maximize the opportunities and potential change will bring. As a speaker, change strategist, author, executive coach, caregiving coach and mentor, she lives this through the passions of her purpose. She guides and inspires leaders and emerging leaders committed to business growth and next-level leadership to be great leaders of themselves and others. She guides non-professional caregivers to become confident, balanced, and supported in all phases of their caregiving journey. She helps businesses and working family caregivers thrive.

Volunteer mentor of emerging leaders for Menttium | Certified Avow Hospice volunteer | Advisory Board Member of the Southern New Hampshire University | Member of the International Coaching Federation | Ambassador for the Greater Naples Chamber | 2023 graduate of Leadership Collier | Certified by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America | Authored or co-authored six best-selling books; a keynote, TEDx, DisruptHR, and SHRM speaker. Read Sue's full bio HERE.

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer - President & CEO, Baker Senior Center

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer is a visionary leader, advocate, and systems builder in the field of human services, with over three decades of distinguished experience. As a trailblazer for her industry, Dr. Faffer has pioneered essential programs in southwest Florida, focusing on human services and enrichment for a growing senior population. A dedicated community leader, Dr. Faffer is a past chair of the Collier County Leadership Coalition on Aging and a graduate of Greater Naples Leadership Class XVIII, where she also served as a Board member. In July 2014, she attended the Harvard Business School Executive Education program for CEOs, focusing on Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management. Dr. Faffer has been appointed by the Department of Elder Affairs as Chair of the Collier County Dementia Care and Cure Initiative. Read Dr. Faffer's full bio HERE.

Dan Lavender - CEO, Moorings Park Communities

Dan has spent the majority of his career serving seniors.  Prior to joining Moorings Park in 2006, he was Chief Financial Officer for Methodist ElderCare Services in Columbus, Ohio, helping to guide them through a period of strategic growth and improving financial performance. Previous assignments included regional and division leadership roles at Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services, one of the 15 largest multi-site non-profit senior living organizations in the country. He was the former chair of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and a former member of the Champions for Learning Leadership Council. Dan is a graduate of the Leadership Collier Class of 2010. Read Dan's full bio HERE.

Thomas P. Felke, Ph.D., MSW - Executive Director, Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging + Professor of Social Work

Dr. Felke began his social work career with Catholic Charites of Southern Connecticut as a Child & Family Services Manager, then moved to public service as an Organization & Skill Development Manager in Connecticut with both the Department of Social Services and the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services. Arriving at FGCU in 2011, Dr. Felke now focuses his teaching and research on macro social work. The focus of these research projects has been on the needs of older adults, affordable housing, and food insecurity.  Dr. Felke has been recognized for excellence in teaching, with multiple awards received. He has also been recognized for his academic leadership at FGCU having received the 2021 Chair Excellence Award.  In 2024, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for his efforts in the field of social work.  He is an active board member for the Florida Council on Aging. Read Dr. Felke's full bio HERE.

INDIVIDUAL ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 12 NOON OCTOBER 28.
Limited tickets will be available at the door.

Chamber Members $50 | Non-Members $60 (all tickets at the door are $60)
For special dietary requests, please email Membership@NaplesChamber.org

SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES reserved for Chamber Members only. 

Event Sponsor $1400 | Series Sponsor $1300
Event Exhibitor $150  | Series Exhibitor $600

If you have questions about sponsoring this event, please contact Bethany Sawyer, VP of Membership & Investors, at bethany@napleschamber.org

Not a Chamber member? CLICK HERE to learn about membership benefits & apply!

EVENT SCHEDULE:

7:30 - 8:00 a.m. Check-in and networking
7:45 a.m. Doors and breakfast banquet opens
8:00 a.m. Program promptly starts
9:15 a.m. Event ends

LOCATION: Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N, Naples FL 34103

Please be advised that photographs and video may be taken at the event for use by The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the "host site" website, marketing materials, social media, press releases and other publications. By registering for this event, you consent to The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the "host site" using your image and likeness without compensation.