FISH of Sanibel-Captiva is marking a meaningful milestone as the organization celebrates Marketing & Grants Director Maggie Goldsmith for 15 years of service, leadership, and heart. What began as part-time work evolved into something much more significant as she became deeply connected to FISH’s growth over the years.
When Maggie joined FISH 15 years ago, the organization was much smaller, offering fewer programs and operating without a formal marketing or grants structure. As FISH expanded to meet growing needs across the islands, she stepped into new roles—serving as Director of Operations before moving into her current Marketing & Grants Director position.
Today, Maggie plays a central role in securing vital resources for FISH, including identifying new grant opportunities, stewarding long-time supporters, and keeping communication open with donors, partners, and funding organizations. Her efforts strengthen every FISH pillar—Food Programs, Helping Hands, Senior Services, and Island-Based Education—while helping the organization remain visible, trusted, and well-supported. One of her most impactful accomplishments came after Hurricane Ian, when she secured nearly $7 million in CDBG-DR reimbursement funding to rebuild FISH’s destroyed building.
For Maggie, the people and mission are what keep her here. “My introduction into the nonprofit sector started years ago at the Cape Ann YMCA,” she says. “After moving to Sanibel, I worked in the for-profit world before finding the right fit—and that was FISH. When I first started as a part-timer, I wondered if it would be ‘fast-paced’ enough for me. I didn’t have to wonder long!”
She adds, “Over these 15 years, I’ve watched the organization continue our four pillar programs through red tide, hurricanes, and even a global pandemic. I’m grateful to be part of a team that shows up for this community every day, and I love working behind the scenes to help move the mission forward.”
FISH President & CEO Maggi Feiner shared her reflections with deep appreciation. “Over the years, Maggie G.—as we call her—has grown into one of the most trusted and adaptable members of our team. From the start, she brought a willingness to learn and support our mission. Seeing her move through different roles and into leadership has been truly meaningful.”
During her 15 years, Maggie has witnessed thousands of lives changed through FISH—families finding stability, seniors aging with dignity, workers rebuilding, and neighbors recovering after disaster.
“It’s amazing how many lives the organization has touched since I’ve been here,” she says. “The stories, the progress, the small and big wins—it all adds up. FISH is more than a workplace to me. They’re my ‘go-to,’ the first place I turn whether something is happening in my own life or in the community.”
She remembers Hurricane Ian as one of those moments. “After the storm, when communication was scattered, my first call was to Maggi Feiner and Maria Espinoza for help locating someone who stayed on the island. I didn’t think twice about who to reach out to. That’s just who FISH is—you turn to them in crisis, and you turn to them in celebration.”
Maggie’s dedication has also inspired her 17-year-old son, DJ, who is now considering college studies in nonprofit management with hopes of working in development or philanthropy. “It means the world to me that he sees value in this work,” Maggie says.
“For me, the people we serve feel like neighbors I’ve known forever, and the team feels like family. Being part of FISH isn’t just a job—it’s being part of a community that stands by each other.”
As FISH continues to expand programs, rebuild its facility, and strengthen long-term resiliency efforts, the organization proudly celebrates the individuals—like Maggie—who help move the islands forward, one neighbor at a time.
