The Florida Museum’s Randell Research Center (RRC), Calusa Heritage Trail, and Pineland are all remarkable for many reasons, including the people that support, care for, and steward each! Let’s meet Christy Rau, our extraordinary Administrative Assistant at the center!

Christy joined the RRC in December 2023 after moving to Pine Island with her family in 2021, following her retirement from Cincinnati Bell in Ohio. Originally from Cincinnati, and an alumnus of the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati State, Christy has enjoyed embracing her Florida home, Pine Island, and the Florida Gators!

When Christy moved to Pine Island, one of her goals was to be civically engaged, and in the short time she’s been a Pine Islander, she has sought to support her community in several ways. Christy has served on the Boards of the Matlacha Hookers and Pine Island Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization and is currently a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 136, VFW Auxiliary 4353, the Pine Island Moose Lodge, and the Greater Pine Island Civic Association.

Christy also serves as the editor of the Matlacha Hookers newsletter, “The Herald” and the co-chair of the Pine Island Elementary School Supply Drive – for the fourth year in a row!

Christy has a keen eye for nature and wildlife photography. Not surprisingly, her favorite thing about working at the RRC is walking the Calusa Heritage Trail almost daily. According to Christy, “It’s the best job perk I could ever ask for!”