ECCL appoints Jim Gilmartin

The Board of Directors of the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) appointed Jim Gilmartin President of the ECCL effective August 23, 2019.

 

The Chairman of the ECCL, Don Eslick has been the driving force behind the organization’s effectiveness for more than 19 years. In April 2019, Don announced his retirement scheduled for the fall of this year.

 

In August 2019 with the untimely and unfortunate passing of recently appointed ECCL president, Bob King, Jim was approached by the ECCL Board and offered the position of President. He was appointed ECCL President by a unanimous vote of the Board.

 

In January 2018 Jim was elected to serve as Chairman of the ECCL’s Economic Outreach Council later renamed the Education Outreach Council. Jim generated volunteers and other resources for Junior Achievement and other community education-related programs. He also pursued, and in early 2018 established, the ECCL Advocacy Foundation a fund of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation in early 2019. Jim was appointed ECCL’s Chief Communication Officer in July 2019.

 

The ECCL is comprised of proactive advocates for current and future generations, dedicated to pursuing the highest quality environment, education, transportation, housing, healthcare, community service, jobs, recreation, and arts & entertainment, ensuring that the Estero area is comprised of attractive communities for all aspects of life.

 

To continue as the “Voice of the People” and assure the civic advocacy organization will continue to contribute to improving and protecting the quality of life in our communities, the ECCL has reorganized to strengthen its capabilities and improve its civic engagement effectiveness.

 

Thus making community voices even louder, the ECCL will increase its ability to keep residents, businesses and other community organizations informed on issues being considered by local, state and federal agencies before decisions are made.

 

Jim and his wife Bettie have lived in Lighthouse Bay at the Brooks since 2004.