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LCEC welcomes Bates as director of information technology and CIO
LCEC has announced Michael Bates as its new information technology director and chief information officer. Bates brings more than 18 years of executive leadership in technology management, with expertise in technology strategy, cybersecurity and digital transformation.
In his role, Bates will lead the development of a comprehensive digitization strategy to ensure LCEC technology investments align with strategic objectives. He will oversee key areas such as IT infrastructure, data governance, and cybersecurity, helping to enhance operational efficiency, improve member and employee services and uphold the highest standards of security and compliance.
Most recently, in a leadership role at Blue Ridge Power, Bates led enterprise resource planning system implementations, launched cybersecurity programs, and drove operational savings while reducing risks. He has also held leadership positions at Britax Group, Campbell Soup Company & Snyder's-Lance, and Springfield, LLC, where he spearheaded large-scale IT transformations and aligned technology with organizational goals.
Bates holds an MBA with undergraduate studies in business administration and computer science from Winthrop University, along with an associate's degree in business administration and computer programming from York Technical College. He is a Certified Information Security Manager.
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Real Estate Investment Society announces new officers, board members
The Real Estate Investment Society has announced the election of officers and the board of governors to lead the organization during 2025: President Josh Philpott, AICP of Stantec; Vice President Kristine Smale of Christopher Alan Homes; Treasurer Phil Fischler, CCIM of Fischler Property Company; and Secretary Zannon Garza of DeAngelis Diamond.
The board of governors includes Brent Addison of Atwell; Kevin Beauparlant of Bank OZK; Alicia Dixon of Lee County Port Authority; JR Gibbs of UES; Jennifer Fisher of Strayhorn, Persons-Mulicka and Fisher; Donald Schrotenboer of REALVIZORY; and Shelton Weeks, PhD., of FGCU Lutgert College of Business. The immediate past president, Justin Thibaut, CCIM of LSI Companies, also joins the Board.
REIS is an independent organization, dedicated to assisting members in the effective utilization of real estate through networking, education, public service, and a common voice on pertinent issues. The membership represents a broad spectrum of real estate, environmental, financial, legal, design, construction, marketing and management companies.
REIS luncheon meetings convene at 11:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, at Pelican Preserve in Fort Myers. Information on membership and meeting programs is available at reis-swfl.org.
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Patti Williams joins Weichert, Realtors - Agency ONE
Weichert, Realtors – Agency ONE this week announced that Patti Williams has joined its team of agents, providing real estate services to clients across Southwest Florida.
Williams is from Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and previously owned a small beach motel and worked as a sales trainer.
Weichert, Realtors – Agency ONE is an independently owned and operated Weichert affiliate. The company serves Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples and surrounding areas in Southwest Florida.
For more about Weichert, Realtors – Agency ONE, at 8191 College Parkway, Suite 301, in Fort Myers, and 1113 SE 47th Terrace, Suite 7, in Cape Coral, call 239-415-6500 or visit weichertagencyone.com.