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 members' needs are met, and keeping the Chamber in line with business trends and community issues. She serves on the FloridaWorks Board Executive Committee and chairs the Education and Youth Committee to address the workforce needs of businesses. She is also the treasurer of the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals. She is certified in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management, a graduate of Leadership Gainesville and a 18-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 website, newsletter, postcards, invitations and programs. She oversees the Chamber's social media presence, special projects 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 Toast to Business, Business of the Year Luncheon, Inter-City Visit, Chamber After Hours and the Chamber Lunch Series. 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 38th year. Jan is on the Board of FLCDC and LGAA and has completed the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organization Management certification program.
As the Director of Public Policy, Ife 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, Tiffany 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. Watch Tiffany's staff profile video here.
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 a Membership Manager, 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. Theresa also manages programs designed to connect members with the resources necessary to succeed: Coffee Break, Chamber 101 and the Diplomats committee. Watch Theresa's staff profile video here.
As a Membership Account Executive, Josh 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.