Collaboratory appoints four new trustees to governing board

Collaboratory, Southwest Florida’s community foundation, is strengthening its commitment to long-term regional impact through the appointment of four respected community members to its board of trustees.

David Collins, Leigh Frizzell Hayes, Tracy McMillion and Fred Weinman join Collaboratory’s governing board, bringing decades of expertise across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Together, they will help guide the organization’s strategic investments and advance solutions to Southwest Florida’s most pressing challenges.

The new trustees represent a range of professional and civic backgrounds. Collins brings 35 years of residential mortgage banking experience in Southwest Florida and serves on the Lee Health Board of Directors. Hayes served as a judge in Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit for 27 years, and her community service includes local arts, human services and youth organizations. McMillion serves as Fort Myers fire chief and emergency management director, bringing three decades of public service experience. Weinman serves as Northern Trust’s senior managing director of Lee County and brings extensive nonprofit board experience.

“Every decision we make begins with the people and communities we serve,” said Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of Collaboratory. “That means listening with intention, learning from the data and having the courage to ask where we can do better. When we bring together different perspectives and stay focused on what matters most, we make stronger decisions, create greater impact and move Southwest Florida closer to the future we all want to build.”

Collaboratory focuses its community priorities on workforce and education, community infrastructure, and health and wellness while supporting a broad range of charitable causes. Through grantmaking, fund development, capacity building and collaboration, Collaboratory works to create lasting impact across Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties.

For more information, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.Collaboratory.org.