Distinguished Leadership Award
Honoring GNL Leaders Driving Community Change
Each year, Greater Naples Leadership presents the Distinguished Leadership Award to a member whose extraordinary volunteer service and community leadership embody GNL’s mission to educate and inspire service-minded leaders who drive positive change in Collier County. Through this award, GNL honors the significant, often behind-the-scenes contributions of our members and invites fellow GNL leaders to help spotlight peers whose commitment, vision, and impact strengthen nonprofits and improve life in our community.
Our 2026 DLA Award Recipient
Carleton “Cleve” Cleveland III
Greater Naples Leadership named Cleveland the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his significant contributions to affordable housing. At GNL’s Annual Meeting on March 23, he was honored for his work as chair of the development committee for the Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance (IFHA).
DLA News
Making a Difference – Naples Press
Carleton Cleveland awarded for affordable housing leadership
Carleton Cleveland honored for advancing affordable housing in Immokalee
Previous DLA Recipients
Vincent Keeys
Debbie Matthews Finch
Joe Trachtenberg
Sandy Parker
Jim Barton
Gary Personette
Thomas McCann
Jennifer Walker
R. Wayne Mullican
Bob Morantz*
Ann Berlam
J. Richard Munro*
Joanne Wyss
John Henry
Carl Kuehner
Susan and Peter* Manion
Dorothy Gerrity*
Ned Sachs
Thomas Schneider*
Patricia Barton*
Mary Ann Durso*
James Rideoutte
Edwin J. (Ned) Putzell III*
*deceased