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.
As the Executive Assistant and Office Manager, Terri 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 Manager, Jenny 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 Gainesville chapter of Florida Public Relations Association, Advertising Federation of Gainesville and Alachua County Emerging Leaders.
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 Events Manager, Nickie is responsible for creating, planning and managing all Chamber events, including the Annual Meeting Dinner, Business Showcase, Chamber Pro-Ed Golf Classic, 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 Manager, 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, Member Orientation and assists with 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 Senior Membership Account Executive, Laura promotes the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce throughout the community and assists businesses with joining our organization. She 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. Laura also heads the Diplomats Committee.
As the Small Business Development Manager, Tim directs all programs and services for the Small Business Advisory Council and Business Resource Center. Prior, Tim has owned three businesses and was a Business Analyst for the Small Business Development Center in Gainesville.