Carleton Cleveland awarded for affordable housing leadership

Greater Naples Leadership granted Carleton “Cleve” Cleveland with The Distinguished Leadership Award for his spearheading of affordable housing, particularly in Immokalee.  The annual award recognizes the exemplification of the mission to provide leaders with an opportunity to learn firsthand about the issues and needs in Collier County and to encourage the use of their skills individually and collectively in bettering the community.

The award was presented during the organization’s annual meeting at Gulfshore Playhouse as part of Greater Naples Leadership’s 30th anniversary celebration.

As chair of the Development Committee of the newly formed Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance in 2017, Cleveland demonstrated a deep and tireless commitment to generating the support necessary to address one of the most pressing social issues in Immokalee – affordable housing. After Hurricane Irma, Mr. Cleveland realized that immediate disaster relief was not enough and dedicated himself to lasting solutions.

Due to his tireless efforts and extraordinary leadership, three new apartment buildings with furnished units and new appliances are housing 48 families who pay no more than 30% of household income. These families were previously sharing mold-infested trailers and shacks with non-working appliances, often paying 60% or more of household income. IFHA plans include a community center and eight apartment buildings, each with 16 units, providing safe, affordable housing for 128 families.

Chairman and CEO of IFHA Dr. Arol Buntzman said, “Cleve has played a key role in advancing our mission to provide safe, affordable housing for farmworker and other low-income families in Immokalee. His expertise, vision, and talent for bringing people together have driven progress on projects that improve the lives of our residents.”

GNL President Thomas Leipzig said, “GNL is proud to honor Cleve Cleveland for his dedication to making a meaningful difference in the community. His leadership and ability to inspire others to offer community service reflects GNL’s values in action.”

Cleveland was recently recognized as a Distinguished Volunteer Honoree by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Collier-Lee Chapter as part of its National Philanthropy Day.

Cleveland volunteers with several area nonprofits. Seven years ago, he began mentoring a middle school student at the Guadalupe Center. The young man is now a student at Florida Gulf Coast University. Cleveland has also held various leadership positions at First Presbyterian Church of Naples, serving as an elder and member of the Disaster Relief Committee.

Cleveland says, “I appreciate the GNL program where I learned of the pressing needs and dire living conditions in Immokalee. My philosophy is that we have a purpose and when you see an opportunity to help, you have an obligation to help. Although there is much more to be done, I’m proud of our accomplishments, especially when many doubted it could be done.”

Now in its third decade, Greater Naples Leadership continues to provide exceptional opportunities for its members to improve the community and enrich their lives through first-hand learning experiences, rewarding relationships with accomplished individuals and unparalleled access to meaningful board and volunteer roles.

Special to Florida Weekly (April 27, 2026)