Friends of Fakahatchee: Dedicated to financial and volunteer support to preserve the unique ecology and cultural heritage of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park and educate the public about its importance.
Meet the Board
Members are elected to the board each March for a 2-year terms. Board members come from a wide variety of backgrounds including education, the professions, tourism, business, and volunteerism.
Our Board activities are governed by a Board Code of Ethics. Click here to download.
If you would like to serve on the Board or our committees, contact Francine Stevens at (239) 695-1023.
Board Members
President – Virginia Palmer Skok
Vice-President – Tom Trotta
Treasurer – Phil McGuire
Secretary- Wally Baldwin
Kevin Cunniff
Rudi Ettrich
Eric Foht
John Kaiser
Glen Stacell
Debra Taylor
Ex-officio Board members
Bruce Bunch
Tom Maish
Executive Director Francine Stevens
Committee Chairs
Media/PR – Bruce Bunch
Tours/Interpretation – Francine Stevens & Glen Stacell
FOF Welcome Back Lunch and Picnic Events – Francine Stevens
Fundraising –Vacant
Finance – Treasurer Phil McGuire
Governance – Tom Trotta
Membership Secretary – Marya Repko
Merchandise – Debbie Trotta
The Mel Finn Award goes to individuals who have given their time to benefit the Fakahatchee and who, as it states on the award, “reflect the spirit of the founding father of the FSSP.” Read more about Mel Finn and the award in his honor here. Recipients of The Mel Finn Award to date are: 2023 Dr John KaiserThe Mel Finn Award
2019 Dick and Edite Hughes
2018 Jane Parks
2017 Dino Barone
2016 Patrick Higgins
2015 Howard Lubel
2014 Bill Mesce
2013 Glen Stacell
2012 Caryl Tilden
2011 Tom Maish
2010 Marya Repko
2009 Nelson Tilden
2008 Allen Caldwell
2007 John Elting
2005 Franklin Adams
Barbara Lewinski
Elsa Caldwell
Dennis Marlin
Roger Dykstra
Don Harmon