My journey with our Chamber didn’t start with my first date of employment on December 3, 2001.  It actually started in the summer of 1998, as my husband and I started an automotive business in Ocoee. Our first order of business was to join the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. Truth be told, the automotive industry was not my passion, yet it was my husband’s.  However, as a representative for our business, I met other business leaders in our community and began to see how our Chamber of Commerce worked. I was also very fortunate to participate in Leadership West Orange of which I am a proud graduate, class of 2000.; The Millenia Class.

During this time, another chamber member said to me, you would be a good Chamber President since she knew me through volunteer activities.  The job was not available yet, she too, “If the job ever becomes available, you should apply for it.”  Unbelievably, within a couple of months of that conversation, the president of the Chamber resigned from her position. That then started the second part of my journey, which was to get the job after the chamber’s board created a search committee and developed the process and the timeline.  I was victorious in my quest to become the next President/CEO of the Chamber and got the offer phone call on November 8, 2001.  I was thrilled and accepted on the spot.  I also distinctly remember, on the first of two interviews, that I told the search committee of my goal for the West Orange Chamber. It was for people to know when we said “the Chamber,” that we were referring to the one and only Chamber, “The West Orange Chamber.”

I am biased, yet, I think the leaders within our business community consider that statement to be true. In the over two decades of being the operational leader of this chamber, in partnership, with many volunteer leaders and businesses of all types, we have built and earned a strong and reputable reputation. When we are referred to as “the Chamber,” a sense of pride goes through me.

As you all know, my retirement announcement was mentioned earlier this year. I look forward to that new phase in my life, yet, there is still work to be done until that liberty is available to me. 

Since the announcement of my retirement, the Chamber’s Board of Directors appointed a highly qualified search committee, made up of board members, to seek out my successor. The search is on the national level with interviews taking place this month and next.  Shortly after these interviews, the full board of directors will have an opportunity to meet with the finalists and make the decision on my successor. 

Throughout this process, I remain the operational leader of the Chamber and will work with the new President/CEO to facilitate a board retreat in late October for the 2024 Board of Directors.  After the retreat, I will continue to manage the transition to ensure that my successor understands this Chamber and its members on an operational and policy level.  My successor and I work collaboratively with our leadership to continue to support our members and community to advance West Orange County.