VINCENT A. KEEYS NAMED 2025 GNL DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT

Greater Naples Leadership (GNL) has named Vincent A. Keeys, Masters Class XXV, as the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his significant contributions to civic and charitable organizations throughout Naples, Collier, and Lee Counties. He was honored for this achievement at the GNL Annual Meeting held at Sugden Community Theatre on March 24th.

As President of the Collier County NAACP since 2016, Mr. Keeys has a deep and tireless commitment to serving the underserved. During Hurricane Ian, when River Park—a historically African American neighborhood—was devastated by storm surge, Mr. Keeys swiftly coordinated food and clothing donations from churches and nonprofits, arranged temporary shelter in motels, and secured funding to cover rent payments. Additionally, he facilitated the donation of building materials and furniture, organized skilled labor to restore homes at no cost, and helped obtain $2.5 million in hurricane relief funds to elevate coastal homes above the floodplain.

GNL President Donna Messer said, “GNL is proud to honor Vincent Keeys for his dedication to making a meaningful difference in the community. His commitment to community service is what GNL is all about.”

Vincent has been an active member of the Naples-on-the-Gulf Kiwanis chapter for over a decade. He helped raise funds for a grant-giving initiative that supports needy children, including providing a custom wheelchair for a handicapped child. He will become President in 2026.

Mr. Keeys volunteers with several area nonprofits. A former railroad worker, he obtained a $400,000 State grant in 2022 to restore the historic baggage car at Naples Depot Museum. Mr. Keeys also mentors Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math students at Immokalee and Lely High Aviation Academies in partnership with the Naples Airport Authority. As a member of the Citizens Review Board, he works with others to protect the health and welfare of kids. He also serves on the Fun Time Early Childhood Academy Strategic Planning Committee and was on the Pathway Early Childhood Education board.

Mr. Keeys says, “I truly appreciate this honor and all that I have learned from the GNL program and network. This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on our service to help others and better our community. As Helen Keller once said, ‘Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.’”

For his exceptional community service, Mr. Keeys earned the Collier Community Foundation’s Robert C. Cosgrove Award as part of its Celebration of Philanthropy in November 2023, and the Excellence in Civic Leadership Award after Hurricane Ian.

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