Tom Libonate

Tom Libonate and his wife Merni are residents of Captiva. He has been a member of the Captiva Island Historical Society since 2015, and for the two years has served as President of its Board of Directors.

From his first exposure to Captiva in 1986, Tom was drawn to the island’s beauty, nature and history, “Yes, it was different then – yet it’s just as special and extraordinary today. I am fascinated by the history of our islands and passionate about their preservation. I feel I have one foot in the past and the other in the future – doing whatever I can to share our rich history, while personally dedicated to ensuring we keep our islands the way we have come to love them.”

Tom brings a long and impressive background in marketing and website design.  Prior to his retirement in 2010, he was Vice Chairman of Ryan Partnership, which he co-founded in 1984; it was headquartered in Wilton, CT.  The marketing agency specialized in promotional, direct and internet marketing; creative and website design; and retailer marketing.

In addition to his Board work with the Captiva Island Historical Society, Tom has served as Chair of the Roselle Catholic High School Consultative Board (Roselle, NJ), served on the Educational and Faculty Affairs Committee of Monmouth University (West Long Branch, NJ) and the Westport Arts Center Board of Directors (Westport, CT).  Tom is most proud to be father to four children, and a grandfather to three wonderful grandkids.  During the few months when not on Captiva, he and his wife Merni reside in Farmington, CT.