About Amanda
Amanda Pearson is the founder and host of Community Matters. She launched this "passion project" in 2025 to support local citizens with their community awareness, activation, and engagement.


Her Story
Amanda is the Founder and Host of Community Matters, a platform dedicated to elevating stories, leaders, and ideas that shape thriving communities. Through conversations with changemakers, she brings visibility to the leaders and initiatives driving meaningful impact to Collier and SWFL.
She previously served the David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, where she led strategic partnerships and initiatives to strengthen relationships, identify new opportunities, and advance long-term, sustainable impact.
For 12 years, Amanda also served as Vice President of the Leadership Collier Foundation of the Greater Naples Chamber. In this role, she managed the foundation’s programming and initiatives focused on community leadership, mentorship, and talent. Amanda created and led the first strategic plan for the LCF and oversaw its successful implementation and completion.
Before joining the Chamber, Amanda served as an experienced educator, serving in various leadership roles.
A long-time resident of Naples, Amanda is deeply committed to her community and has served in a variety of civic leadership roles, including: FGCU Alumni Association Board, FGCU Water School Advisory Council, Latinos 239 Foundation Board, City of Naples Public Arts Advisory Board, Child’s Path Advisory Board, Naples Historical Society Young Executive Society, Grace Place for Children and Families Ambassadors, The Children’s Movement of Florida Collier Board of Advisors, Naples Junior Woman’s Club Board, Shelter for Abused Women and Children “Next Gen” Board, Blue Zones Project Community Engagement Committee, Hope for Haiti “Next Gen” Board, and Grace Lutheran School Board. As a former foster parent, Amanda also founded a county-based foster family recruitment initiative.
For her community leadership, Amanda has been recognized as one of Naples Illustrated “Naples 100,” Gulfshore Business’ “40 Under 40,” Naples Illustrated “Rising Star,” and is a graduate of Leadership Florida.
About Us
Community Matters is a podcast dedicated to educating citizens about current happenings in our community. We bring insightful conversations with local leaders, business owners, and change-makers to help you stay informed and engaged. By understanding the issues that shape our neighborhoods, we can work together to build a stronger, more connected community.






