Board of Trustees

The mission of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates is:

To educate the public and inspire an inventive spirit by interpreting and preserving the innovations, legacies, artifacts, gardens, homes, laboratory, and other structures of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, emphasizing Florida history, science, horticulture, and the arts.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Board of Trustees

Cole Peacock, Chair
Co-Founder, C3 Investment Group

Eric Graff, Vice Chair
General Manager, Vector & Ink

Craig McLean, Treasurer
Retired, 20th Judicial Circuit

Jeanne Dozier, Secretary
Former Lee County School Board Member

Randall Henderson, Jr.
Former Mayor, City of Fort Myers

Frank Aloia, Jr.
Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC

Scot Burris
CEO, Storm Smart

Frances Fenning
Community Volunteer

Susan Lawson
Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council

Richard Moulton
Public Utilities Director, City of Fort Myers

Liane McHugh
Educator, Florida Virtual School

Karen Ryan
Public Relations Manager, LCEC

Brett Sands
Principal, Electrical Engineer, TLC Engineering

Howard Sapp
Retired, Federal Government, Air Traffic Controller

Sidney Ann Brinson
Emeritus Trustee

John Cauthen
Emeritus Trustee

Suzanne "Sass" Edwards
Emeritus Trustee

Melvin Morgan
Emeritus Trustee

Wiley Parker
Emeritus Trustee

Margaret Sirianni
Emeritus Trustee

Tom Smoot, Jr.
Emeritus Trustee

A Message from President & CEO Michael Flanders

Our non-profit corporation, the Thomas Edison & Henry Ford Estates, Inc. governs and manages both the Edison and Ford estates for the City of Fort Myers which has owned the Edison property since 1947 and the Ford property since 1988. These original historic properties consist of 18 acres containing botanical gardens and 19 buildings.

The corporation is designated as a 501(3) non-profit charitable educational organization. The properties are listed on the National Historic Register, the Historic Florida Landmark, the National Chemical Landmark, and an original Save America’s Treasures of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Come see a grand segment of American history and visit our special site & museum full of legendary inventions, artifacts, botanical specimens, educational programs and unique gifts.

Michael Flanders, AIA