Lancewood Institute Announces New Appointment of Stephanie Wardein as First Executive Director

NAPLES, FL — Lancewood Institute Inc., a public charity founded in 2024, has formally announced a significant milestone in its organizational growth with the appointment of distinguished strategist, Stephanie Wardein as its first Executive Director.

 

Headquartered in Naples, Florida, Lancewood Institute was established to advance meaningful charitable impact across educational, health improvement, and community-based initiatives. Operating under a disciplined governance framework, the Institute acts as a vital infrastructure vehicle to strengthen community systems, expand opportunity, and ensure enduring public benefit for future generations.

 

Wardein’s historic appointment marks a pivotal step for Lancewood as it actively opens doors to collaborate directly with community-based organizations (CBOs), regional nonprofits, and civic leaders across the state. The community will have its first formal opportunity to meet Wardein at the upcoming Lancewood Institute Independence Day Celebration, which also honors America’s 250th anniversary, on July 11th at 6 PM at the Hilton Naples.

 

A Message from the Board of Directors:

"Stephanie is an exceptional organizational architect who has spent over two decades building deep, trusted relationships across hundreds of Florida nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and public sector entities," said Jim Barbale, Board Chairman. "Her unique ability to build consensus and align diverse stakeholders around a shared vision makes her the ideal leader to introduce Lancewood’s supportive capabilities to the broader community."

 

Wardein brings more than 20 years of experience leading complex community systems and multi-sector initiatives. As Principal and Lead Strategist at Wardein Strategic Advisory, she has provided critical governance architecture and strategic counsel to regional and statewide CEOs, corporate boards, chambers, and public sector groups. Her extensive background in health improvement systems change includes a twelve-year tenure at Lee Health serving the community, where she ultimately served as System Director of Community Affairs, secured more than $40M in community health and systems-change grants, and successfully directed a community collaborative aligning hundreds of community-based organizations.

 

Deeply embedded in Florida’s state and civic infrastructure, Wardein currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Florida Greenways and Trails Council via Gubernatorial Appointment and previously served on the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Prosperity Advisory Board. She is also a graduate of Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class 40 and has lent her leadership to numerous community boards over the past two decades.

 

“Lancewood Institute exists to be a true partner and a pillar of support for the community-based organizations doing critical work on the ground across Florida," said Stephanie Wardein, Executive Director. "At Lancewood Institute, our mission is to advance meaningful charitable impact across educational, healthcare, and community-based initiatives through disciplined stewardship, responsible governance, and philanthropic vision. I am honored to step into this role to connect Lancewood's resources with our state's incredible nonprofit ecosystem, supporting collaborative programs that strengthen community infrastructure, expand opportunity, and promote enduring public benefit for future generations.”

Join Us on July 11th: Celebrate America's 250th & Meet the Executive Director

To honor America’s 250th milestone and introduce our new leadership to the community, Lancewood Institute invites regional leaders, supporters, and community-based organizations to our Independence Day Celebration.

●      When: July 11th at 6:00 PM

●      Where: Hilton Naples (5111 Tamiami Trl N, Naples, FL)

●      Attire: Cocktail

●      Tickets: $150 per guest (Seating is limited)

 

Corporate sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $5,000, allowing local entities to align with Lancewood's long-term vision of structural community support. For event registration, sponsorship packets, or more information about collaborative initiatives, please visit www.lancewoodinstitute.com or scan the official event materials.

 

Media Contact: Lancewood Institute Media Relations 6017 Pine Ridge Rd., Ste. 150, Naples, FL 34119  info@lancewoodinstitute.com