Chamber Councils & Committees

chamber ambassadors

Member Volunteers serve as customer relations representatives for the Chamber, visiting new members, contacting existing members to expand communications and involvement.​

Chair: Renee Ryckman, Escape Countdown | Staff Contact: Craig McGonigal
​(Time Commitment: 1 - 2 hours a month | Meetings on the 1st Thursday each month, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The Chamber)

Event and Programming Council 

Ensure member satisfaction and new member growth through event engagement opportunities so organizations see a return on their membership investment. Help create and plan speaker and event opportunities for members.

Chair: Emily Walsh, Observer Media Group | Staff Contact: Heather Kasten
(Open to All Members | Time Commitment: 1 - 2 hours a month | Meetings on the 2nd Tuesday each month, 3:30 p.m. at the Chamber)

Centennial Council 

Oversee the planning and development of centennial activities in celebration of the Chamber’s 100th year.

Chair: Kelley Lavin, Sarasota Magazine | Staff Contact: Heather Kasten
(Open to All Members | Time Commitment: 1 - 2 hours a month)

Governmental Issues Council (GIC) ​

Monitors and develops public policy positions that are “pro-business and pro-greater Sarasota.” Research is involved, as well as meeting with elected officials and experts on various topics as the Chamber’s positions are developed and then communicated and advocated.

Chair: Matthew Brockway, Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A. | Staff Contact: Heather Kasten
(Open to All Members | Time Commitment: 1 - 2 hours a month | Meetings on the 2nd Friday each month, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The Chamber)

Leadership Sarasota County Council (LSC)

The Council is comprised of Leadership Sarasota County alumni who oversee the Adult and Youth programs, Alumni activities, Engage Sarasota and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy.  The mission is “Engaging, Developing, and Inspiring Community Leaders.” 

Chair: Stacy Dillard-Spahn, Law Office of Robert K. Lincoln, P.A. | Staff Contact: Sara Rachon
(Participation by Application/Selection Process)

Young Professionals Group (YPG)

Creates a platform for its members ranging in age from 21-40 to build relationships, develop professionally, become politically and philanthropically active, and contribute to the economic development and high quality living of our community. 

Co-Chairs: Stacey Crawford, Capstan Financial Consulting Group, LLC | Staff Contact: Sara Rachon
(Council - Appointed | Membership - Open)

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