Ramirez to succeed Benz as president of CONA
The Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) has been relaunched, leaders of the nonprofit announced this week, with Siesta Key resident Lourdes Ramirez taking over as president, a position she also held more than a decade ago.
Ramirez is president of another nonprofit organization, as well; it is called Protect Siesta Key.
As a news release explains, CONA is a “long-standing coalition representing homeowner, condominium, and civic associations … As CONA enters a new chapter, the organization reaffirms its mission to foster civic engagement, encourage informed participation in local government, and strengthen collaboration among neighborhoods across Sarasota County.”
The release adds, “Founded in 1961, CONA has served for more than six decades as a unifying voice for neighborhoods and residents.”
The new CONA board was elected following the recent retirement of former President Kafi Benz, who served in that position for 10 years, the release notes.
“The newly formed Board of Directors brings renewed energy and a forward-looking approach to community advocacy, transparency, and public education,” the release continues. Members of the board represent “a broad cross-section of Sarasota County’s neighborhoods and civic organizations,” it adds.
Ramirez is the Siesta resident who, in recent years, won two legal challenges against Sarasota County Government over County Commission action that would have allowed the construction of high-rise hotels on the barrier island. She frequently has appeared before the County Commission to argue against efforts that would increase the residential density on the Key, especially in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left significant damage on the island in 2024.
Along with Ramirez, the other officers are as follows:
- Vice President Melanie Goddard, who also is vice president of the Marquee en Ville Condominium Association. She formerly was president of the Gulf Gate Community Association, the CONA website points out.
- Treasurer Ron Kashden, a CPA who is a member of the board of the Laurel Park Neighborhood Association in Sarasota. In the past, he has served as secretary of the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations of Sarasota (CCNA), the CONA website notes.
- Secretary Mary Butler, president of the Amaryllis Park Neighborhood Association in Sarasota. Butler is a native of the Newtown community in the city, the CONA website says. She is chair of the Newtown Business Council, the website adds.
- Director Susan Schoettle, president of Keep the Country Inc., who is a former member of the Office of the Sarasota County Attorney. She also is chair of the county’s Stormwater Environmental Utility Advisory Committee. Schoettle long has been an advocate for less intense development in the county, especially in the eastern portion, where many of the communities comprise larger residential lots.
- Director Gary Nieskes, president of the South County Alliance.
“As part of its relaunch,” the news release continues, “CONA will focus on initiatives that help residents become more informed and engaged participants in local decision-making”:
- “Providing educational programs on how Sarasota County’s planning, financial, and decision-making processes work.
- “Hosting nonpartisan community forums” to explain upcoming ballot referenda and introduce local candidates for election.
- “Building stronger networks among homeowner, condominium, and civic associations to share timely information on issues affecting residents countywide.
- “Expanding digital communications to keep members informed of county actions, upcoming hearings, and community events.”
- “Promoting respectful dialogue between residents and public officials.
- “Encouraging residents to engage directly in local government meetings,” advisory board sessions and public hearings.
“CONA’s mission has always been about empowering residents through knowledge and collaboration,” said Ramirez in the release. “As Sarasota County continues to grow and evolve, our focus is on helping neighbors understand how their government works and how their participation can make a difference.”
CONA’s leaders invite neighborhood associations, civic groups and individual residents to join the organization or renew their memberships in 2026, the release continues.
For more information about membership or upcoming events, visit www.conasarasota.org or email at Cona.Sarasota941@gmail.com