Nicole McHale, a Sanibel resident since 1995, has been one of the most community-oriented volunteers in recent memory. In 2019 she was honored with two major community awards: Citizen of the Year by Committee of the Islands (COTI) and Volunteer of the Year by the Sanibel Chamber, and she has continued her service in 2020 and 2021. “I may be receiving these awards but they represent the thousands of hours volunteers on Sanibel and Captiva have devoted of their time,” said McHale. “I’m very fortunate that my family, husband and children, and many friends have supported me in all my efforts.” COTI Board Member Barbara Joy Cooley presented the award at the annual meeting, calling Nicole “a tireless volunteer and an accomplished and gracious community leader.” At a packed meeting of the Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, held at the Sundial Beach Resort, McHale was presented with the Sue Rosica Grey award for her wide-ranging participation in the island community. McHale is currently the chair of Friends in Service Here (F.I.S.H.), the Chair of the Social Committee for the Sanctuary Golf Club, Commissioner for the Sanibel Public Library, and past board member for the Sanibel Community House. Nicole lives on Sanibel with her husband, retired attorney James T. McHale. Her daughters, Alexis (32) and Tajana (30), grew up on the islands and attended The Sanibel School before going on to graduate at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida, respectively. Nicole is a member of an island running club, takes spinning classes at the Rec Complex, and enjoys biking, paddle boarding and kayaking with friends.