Meet the Team
Our award-winning team brings expertise, energy, and a commitment to service in everything we do. Together, we cultivate a strong culture and work every day to support the success and growth of Southwest Florida businesses.
Tiffany Esposito, MBA, CCE, IOM, APR
President & CEO
Tiffany is President & CEO of SWFL Inc., where she leads the organization’s mission to champion business growth, drive regional prosperity, and advance Southwest Florida’s economic future. A lifelong Lee County resident, Tiffany has spent her career building strong connections between business, community, and economic development initiatives that strengthen the region.
Since joining SWFL Inc. in 2009 as Communications Manager, Tiffany has held leadership roles including Director of Operations and Vice President before being named President & CEO in 2016. Under her leadership, SWFL Inc. has expanded its impact as the voice of business and a catalyst for regional collaboration.
Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Public Relations and a Master of Business Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is accredited in public relations (APR) through the Public Relations Society of America, earned the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and holds the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys spending time at the beach, being outdoors, and appreciating all that Southwest Florida has to offer.
Jessica Hoover, IOM
Executive Director SWFL Inc. | Executive Director Babcock Ranch Chamber
Jessica serves as Executive Director of SWFL Inc. and the Babcock Ranch Chamber, bringing a strong background in chamber leadership and business development, complemented by years of experience in retail management. She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and helping small businesses grow, thrive, and achieve their goals.
A graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, Jessica holds the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) designation and is a certified 5 Voices™ Coach. She is passionate about collaboration, community engagement, and building meaningful connections that strengthen Southwest Florida’s business community and support local business success.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors with her husband, son, two dogs, and cat. She also appreciates a great cup of coffee and the opportunity to create memorable experiences with family and friends.
Courtney Winstead
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Courtney serves as SWFL Inc.’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications, bringing extensive experience in strategic marketing, brand development, and audience engagement across healthcare, pharmaceutical, and technology organizations. She specializes in creating integrated marketing and communications strategies that strengthen brands, foster community connections, and drive organizational growth.
Having grown up in Naples, Courtney is passionate about helping Southwest Florida thrive and is excited to contribute to an organization making a lasting impact across the region. She holds a BSBA in Marketing and an MA in Mass Communication from the University of Central Florida. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, volunteering in their schools and activities, relaxing at the beach, and taking in Southwest Florida’s beautiful sunsets.
Melanie Schmees, MBA
Vice President, Workforce Development
Melanie is SWFL Inc.’s Vice President of Workforce Development, leading efforts to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline and foster collaboration among employers, educators, and community partners. She brings expertise in economic development, workforce strategy, applied research, and grant leadership, with previous roles at Florida Gulf Coast University and The Greater Naples Chamber.
Melanie holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics and an MBA from FGCU. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Florida Economic Development Council as Co-chair of Professional Development and previously served as its Southwest Florida Regional Director. Melanie was recognized in the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ 40 Under 40 and is a graduate of Leadership Collier and Associate Leadership Collier. She also gives back to the community as an adjunct economics instructor at FGCU.
Nikki Dugan
Director of Events
Nikki is a Florida native who grew up on the East Coast before moving to Southwest Florida to attend Florida Gulf Coast University, where she quickly fell in love with the region and made it her home. As Director of Events at SWFL Inc., she brings years of experience in luxury hospitality and event management, with a passion for creating memorable experiences that bring people together.
Nikki’s commitment to community began at an early age through volunteering alongside her mother with local nonprofit organizations. Outside of work, she enjoys soaking up the Southwest Florida sunshine, attending live music events, and hosting friends for NFL Sundays and other gatherings.
Katy Johnson
Events & Programs Manager
Katy is SWFL Inc.’s Events and Programs Manager, where she brings community events to life through the planning and execution of signature programs and experiences. A Florida Gulf Coast University graduate with a degree in Resort and Hospitality Management, she found her passion for event planning through chamber work and later expanded her experience in the hotel industry before returning to the chamber world.
When she’s not planning events, you’ll likely find her with a good book in hand or mapping out her next travel adventure.
Violet Kelly
Marketing Manager
Violet holds a bachelor's degree in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from Florida Gulf Coast University. With experience in content creation, social media, email marketing, public relations, and digital marketing, she loves helping brands connect with their audiences.
A Florida native from Bradenton, Violet enjoys spending her free time at the beach, working out, exploring local coffee shops, and catching a good sunset.