As the President and CEO, Brent leads the Chamber, its economic development arm, the Council for Economic Outreach, and the community’s high-tech business incubator, the Gainesville Technology Enterprise Center. He also serves on Airport Authority and Heart of Florida.
As the Vice President and COO, Sonia is responsible for daily operations, ensuring the needs of the members are met, and identifying future business trends and community issues. She serves on the FloridaWorks Board, Executive Committee and is the immediate past chair of the High Skills/High Wage Committee to address the workforce needs of business. She is also a member of the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Board, certified in the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organization Management and a 15-year veteran of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Executive Assistant and Office Manager provides administrative support to the Chamber staff, acts as administrative liaison with the Board of Directors and is responsible for the contracting and maintenance of all office equipment, supplies and facility needs.
As the Communications Director, Lindsay is responsible for all print and electronic materials, including Web site, newsletter, postcards, invitations, programs, member coupons and mailing labels. She oversees special projects such as the membership directory, map and hardcover community book and handles public relations pertaining to media and membership. She is a member of the Advertising Federation of Gainesville, Alachua County Emerging Leaders and is the programs director for the Gainesville chapter of Florida Public Relations Association.
As the Director of Events and Programs, Jan oversees all events and member programs including the Annual Meeting Dinner, Business of the Year Luncheon, Inter-City Visit and Chamber After Hours. As the Directory of Leadership Gainesville, Jan coordinates a program that takes an in-depth look at our community to develop new leadership and educates approximately 40 individuals each year following a competitive application process. Leadership Gainesville is currently in its 34th year. Jan is on the Board of FCDC and is completing the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organization Management.
As the Director of Public Policy, Kimberly monitors local government actions that pertain to/or impact business and economic development concerns. She is also responsible for working with Chamber members to coordinate activities to advocate pro-business positions.
As the Events Manager, Jane is responsible for creating, planning and managing all Chamber events, including the Annual Meeting Dinner, Business Showcase, Business of the Year Luncheon, ribbon cuttings and Chamber After Hours.
As the Finance Director, Karen plans, directs and coordinates the financial activities of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. She directs various activities in the accounting/finance department, including accounts receivable/payable, payroll data, processing employee benefits, reconciling audit preparation and reports, annual budgets, managing cash and Finance Committee reporting.
As the Information Specialist, Pauline refers more than 3,000 calls a month to member businesses of the GACC, manages the front desk and is responsible for updating membership information, assisting walk-ins, providing information about the area and many other clerical duties.
As the Membership Director, Chris is responsible for managing the Membership Division and collaborating with other divisions to ensure the Chamber’s programs, services and events are meeting the needs of the membership. He directs programs designed to connect members with the resources necessary to succeed: the Circle of Champions annual sponsorship program, Coffee Break, Chamber 101 and the Diplomats committee. As a whole, the Membership Division is responsible for recruiting and retaining members. In addition, Chris promotes the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce throughout the community and assists businesses with joining our organization. He also works with existing members to ensure that they are benefiting from all of the Chamber’s programs and services and are directed to the appropriate resources necessary for success.
As a Membership Account Executive, Theresa promotes the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce throughout the community and assists businesses with joining our organization. She also works with existing members to ensure that they are benefiting from all of the Chamber’s programs and services and are directed to the appropriate resources necessary for success.
As the Small Business Development Manager, Ed directs all programs and services for the Small Business Advisory Council and Business Resource Center. Ed is also the Existing Industry Representative for the Council for Economic Outreach.
As Member Services Representative, Keshia assists the Membership Division in promoting the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce throughout the community and assists businesses with joining our organization. Keshia reaches out to members to ensure that they are benefiting from all of the Chamber’s programs and services and are directed to the appropriate resources necessary for success.