Skål International Southwest Florida

Kristina Park

President

President & CEO
Greater Naples Chamber

Kristina Park serves as President & CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber, where she leads the region’s foremost business and community leadership organization, uniting private, public, and nonprofit partners to advance a thriving economy and exceptional quality of life throughout Collier County.

She oversees the Chamber, the Partnership for Collier’s Future Economy, and the Leadership Collier Foundation, guiding strategic initiatives that strengthen talent pipelines, elevate business competitiveness, and drive community solutions.

Kristina serves as President of Skål International Southwest Florida and is committed to building strong relationships between business, tourism, and the community.

Joe Gandolfo

Vice President, Events

Independent Travel Advisor
Preferred Travel & Co.

Born in Rome, Joe Gandolfo grew up immersed in the culture, traditions, and regional diversity that make Italy one of the world’s most captivating destinations.

With more than 40 years in the travel industry, Joe specializes in designing bespoke journeys that reveal the authentic soul of Italy—from private culinary experiences and exclusive wine tastings to hidden villages, iconic cities, and unforgettable cultural encounters.

As an active member and officer of Skål International Southwest Florida, Joe helps foster international industry connections, including the twinning of Skål Napoli in Italy with Skål Naples in Florida.

Michelle Tabi

Vice President, Membership

Director of Sales & Marketing
Residence Inn by Marriott Naples

Michelle Tabi is Director of Sales & Marketing at the Residence Inn by Marriott Naples in the Park Shore area. Her entrepreneurial spirit and high energy make her a natural connector, creator, and revenue generator.

Her professional experience includes partnerships, business development, sales, marketing, training, advertising, and community engagement. Since moving to Southwest Florida in 2020, Michelle has become deeply involved in the local business and nonprofit community.

Michelle serves as Vice President of Membership for Skål International Southwest Florida and enjoys helping tourism and hospitality professionals build meaningful connections through membership.

Membership inquiries:
mtabi@csmcorp.net
(201) 406-8574

Anat Kuperman

Treasurer

Co-Owner
Sand Dollar Shelling & Boat Tours

Anat Kuperman is co-owner of Sand Dollar Shelling & Boat Tours, a family-owned tourism company she operates with her husband, Evan.

Together, they provide shelling, eco, dolphin, sightseeing, and sunset cruises throughout Naples, Marco Island, and the Ten Thousand Islands.

A licensed CPA by background, Anat transitioned from public accounting into the tourism industry, where she combines her business expertise with a passion for hospitality, partnership development, and showcasing the natural beauty of Southwest Florida.

As a member of the Skål Southwest Florida Board, Anat enjoys building relationships that strengthen the region’s visitor experience and support the continued growth of the local tourism industry.

Claudia Wood

Secretary

Global Sales Manager
Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB

Claudia Wood is Global Sales Manager for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau, representing Florida’s Paradise Coast to the global travel trade community.

She works with travel advisors, tour operators, and industry partners in key markets including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany to promote Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades.

Claudia brings more than 35 years of hospitality-industry experience, including a background in hotel group sales. She collaborates with local hotels, attractions, and tourism partners to develop programs that support visitation and the local tourism economy.

She is pursuing the Certified Destination Management Executive designation through Destinations International and serves as Secretary of the Skål International Southwest Florida Board.

Kara Laufer

Auditor

Director of Business Development
Naples Botanical Garden

Kara Laufer has been a Naples resident since 1994 and joined Naples Botanical Garden in 2012.

She leads the Garden’s community marketing efforts, focusing on audience diversification, expanding access through the Garden for All initiative, and developing strategic partnerships throughout the region.

Kara also oversees private-event rentals, public events, and the Garden’s signature festivals.

She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and is active in the community, serving on the boards of Skål International Southwest Florida and the East Naples Civic and Commerce Association. Kara is also a graduate of Leadership Collier and Leadership Southwest Florida.

Jack Wert

Executive Secretary/Treasurer

Certified Destination Management Executive
Professional in Destination Management

Jack Wert has dedicated more than 30 years to Skål International and helped establish the Southwest Florida club in Naples in 2018.

During his Skål career, Jack has served in numerous leadership positions, including Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President of Administration, President, and Past President. He served as President of Skål International Southwest Florida from 2018 through 2025.

Jack also has more than 30 years of destination-management experience. He created and managed Convention and Visitors Bureau organizations in Seminole County and Naples and has professional experience in tourism marketing, hotels, restaurants, sports, advertising, banking, and consulting.

He currently leads Wert Marketing Group LLC, a destination-marketing consultancy, and has received industry distinctions including Fellow Destination Management Executive, Professional in Destination Marketing, HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds, and induction into the Destinations International Hall of Fame.