Naples Children & Education Foundation Announces Promotions

Naples Children & Education Foundation Announces Promotion of Two
Esteemed Staff Members to Key Positions within its Executive Team

The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, today announced the promotion of long-time staff members Lisa Juliano to Senior Vice President, Naples Winter Wine Festival and Event Production and Sarah Zaiser-Kelly to Senior Vice President, Grants and Community Impact.

Lisa Juliano

Juliano has been an integral part of the non-profit organization for nearly 15 years. With this elevated role, she will be responsible for spearheading all planning, logistics, communications and production aspects of the world-renowned fundraising celebration, the Naples Winter Wine Festival. She also will have direct oversight of all other routine and special NCEF-related events throughout the year.

Juliano previously served as Director of Events & Communications and consistently demonstrated exceptional skills, versatility and a profound understanding of what it takes to succeed. Prior to joining NCEF, she worked in event planning and management with the Naples Botanical Garden. Originally from New Jersey, Juliano earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

Zaiser-Kelly has been with NCEF for nearly 10 years. In her role, she will provide focused and analytical leadership, management and guidance for the Foundation’s Strategic Initiatives and impact efforts through grantmaking and community engagement. She will oversee grant-making, including beneficiary performance, compliance and the effectiveness of NCEF’s investments and strategies in improving child well-being in Collier County and have a strong focus on developing collaborative efforts and partnerships that provide essential services for nearly 35,000 children annually.

Previously as Grants Director, Zaiser-Kelly has been a dedicated and innovative team member, consistently delivering outstanding results and demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence. Prior to joining NCEF, she worked for the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. A native of New Jersey, Zaiser-Kelly holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida.

“Lisa and Sarah are both talented, dedicated and tireless executives who consistently go above and beyond to fulfill NCEF’s mission,” said Maria Jimenez-Lara, NCEF Chief Executive Officer. “These promotions reflect our organization’s commitment to nurturing and recognizing talent within its ranks, as well as its dedication to fostering a culture of growth and development.”

Featured Photo: Sarah Zaiser-Kelly

About Naples Winter Wine Festival
The Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious charity wine auctions, offers a weekend of unforgettable memories. Guests enjoy world-class food and wine during intimate dinners in elegant, private homes and other landmark settings throughout Naples and are invited to bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel and wine experiences during an electrifying live auction. Since its inaugural event in 2001, the NWWF has raised approximately $269 million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.

About Naples Children & Education Foundation
The Naples Children & Education Foundation, the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is improving the educational, emotional and health outcomes of underprivileged and at-risk children. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCEF has impacted close to 90 of the most effective nonprofits in the community, providing more than 300,000 children with the services and resources they need to excel. NCEF’s unique approach, which emphasizes collaboration between organizations and bridges public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a community, one issue at a time.

For additional information on the Naples Children & Education Foundation or the Naples Winter Wine Festival, contact Lisa Juliano at lisa@napleswinefestival.com or 239-514-2239.