The Organization: Winter Park Chamber of Commerce 

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce serves as a central pillar of economic and civic leadership in Winter Park, Florida – a community celebrated for its historic character, cultural vibrancy, and exceptional quality of life. Established to advance the prosperity of the city and its business community, the Chamber is a voluntary, member‑driven 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to championing local businesses, fostering strategic collaboration, and strengthening the region’s economic vitality. In addition to its core work, the Chamber’s broader impact is amplified through its affiliated organizations, including WinterPAC, which advances pro-business public policy locally, and the Winter Park Improvement Foundation, which supports community investment and long-term initiatives that enhance the city’s livability and economic strength. With a population of just over 31,000 residents, Winter Park’s steady growth is supported by a thriving local economy, a highly educated population, and a longstanding commitment to community leadership. As the city continues to evolve, the Chamber plays a critical role in guiding Winter Park through new opportunities, challenges, and areas of strategic investment.

The Chamber’s mission is to convene leaders across sectors, advocate for a competitive business environment, and catalyze initiatives that reinforce Winter Park’s future. It plays a visible and active role in shaping policy priorities, amplifying member voices, and advancing a collaborative civic culture rooted in the belief that a strong business community directly contributes to a strong and connected city – one where economic opportunity, cultural vibrancy, and quality of life thrive together. Winter Park’s growing regional influence further elevates the Chamber’s importance as a strategic partner in shaping the city’s next chapter of growth and civic progress.

Representing a diverse network of businesses across healthcare, hospitality, education, professional services, retail, and construction, the Chamber engages closely with major employers such as AdventHealth, Full Sail University, the City of Winter Park, and Rollins College. These institutions, alongside a broad mix of small and midsized businesses, help sustain a resilient local economy marked by strong job growth and a Gross Regional Product exceeding $4 billion. Winter Park’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to fuel innovation and business development, and the Chamber serves as a connector for both established institutions and emerging ventures.

The city’s economic and community strength is enhanced by its highly educated population – one of the most academically concentrated in the region – and a median household income well above state and national averages. Cultural anchors such as Rollins College, the Morse Museum of American Art, the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, and year‑round festivals create a uniquely compelling setting for residents and businesses alike.

Through its programs, events, and initiatives, the Chamber supports local businesses at every stage of growth. Its offerings include leadership development, professional education, networking events, policy forums, and civic engagement platforms that connect members with community issues and one another. The Chamber also leads strategic initiatives in economic development, tourism, entrepreneurship, and community branding, ensuring Winter Park remains a sought‑after destination to live, work, visit, and invest.

Supported by a committed Board of Directors and a high‑performing staff team, the Chamber delivers high‑value member services with a focus on accountability and strategic impact. Its work positions the organization as a trusted convener across government, education, business, and nonprofit sectors – well aligned with Winter Park’s aspirations for continued economic prosperity and community excellence. Looking ahead, the Chamber is poised for continued momentum, with opportunities to strengthen regional partnerships, modernize its membership value proposition, and solidify its role as a champion for the Winter Park business community and a growing voice in regional and national thought leadership.

Location: Winter Park, Florida

Winter Park, Florida is a highly regarded city in Orange County and the Orlando metro, known for its historic character, cultural amenities, and exceptional quality of life. With about 31,000 residents, the city has grown steadily on the strength of a diverse local economy, a highly educated workforce, and a long tradition of community stewardship. Unlike many fast‑growing Florida markets, Winter Park maintains its small‑city charm and thoughtful planning, blending neighborhood livability with regional opportunity.

Anchored by Rollins College, Winter Park is a hub for education, arts, and culture. More than 65% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, placing the city among the most academically concentrated communities in the state. The economy benefits from proximity to major employers – including AdventHealth, Full Sail University, and organizations in healthcare, professional services, education, and technology – supporting consistent job growth and resilience.

Quality of life is a defining strength. The walkable Park Avenue corridor features locally owned restaurants, boutiques, cafés, museums, and year‑round events. Cultural anchors such as the Morse Museum of American Art, the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, and frequent community festivals contribute to a distinctive sense of place. Residents enjoy high household incomes, shorter‑than‑average commutes, and excellent access to parks, trails, and healthcare.

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce helps sustain this vitality. With a diverse, cross‑sector membership, the Chamber convenes local leaders, champions business advancement, and catalyzes regional collaboration. As a member‑driven 501(c)(6), it leads initiatives in economic development, entrepreneurship, professional education, policy advocacy, and community leadership. Signature programs like Leadership Winter Park prepare emerging leaders to address community priorities and strengthen civic life.

Together, these attributes make Winter Park a thriving, well‑balanced community – attracting entrepreneurs, families, students, and innovators seeking a high quality of life paired with meaningful opportunity. Educational excellence, economic stability, cultural richness, and strong civic engagement position Winter Park as one of Florida’s most desirable and forward‑looking small cities.

Position: President & Chief Executive Officer

Purpose of the Position

The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is the community’s chief convener and the organization’s senior executive, responsible for uniting business, civic, educational, and nonprofit partners around a clear agenda that strengthens Winter Park’s economy and quality of place. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO sets the Chamber’s strategic direction, aligns people and resources to deliver measurable outcomes, and represents the collective voice of members with credibility, diplomacy, and influence. The charge is both outward‑facing, building trust with city leadership, advancing a thoughtful advocacy posture, and elevating the Chamber’s regional profile, and inward‑facing, preserving a distinctive, high‑performance staff culture built on trust, flexibility, autonomy, and purpose. This is a uniquely visible leadership role that shapes the tone of civic dialogue, models collaborative problem‑solving, and serves as a catalyst for the community’s long‑term prosperity.

The CEO leads the development of a focused strategy that clarifies priorities, defines how success will be measured, and connects the Chamber’s work to the needs of local businesses. This includes sustaining excellence across signature platforms, such as the Chamber’s podcast, Ideas Festival, Young Professionals initiatives, and data‑driven reporting, so that programming informs, connects, and mobilizes the community. The next CEO will be expected to continue to strengthen these platforms even further, expanding their reach, sharpening their impact, and positioning the Chamber as a source of regional thought leadership. The role also establishes a cohesive approach to economic development by coordinating with city partners and regional organizations, supporting business retention and expansion, championing small‑business vitality, and strengthening the local talent and entrepreneurship pipeline. The CEO will help further translate Winter Park’s economic assets, its educated workforce, strong business base, and cultural vibrancy, into a forward‑looking agenda that supports innovation, sustainable growth, and quality of place.

The CEO must be an approachable, high‑EQ leader who listens first, understands Winter Park’s local context, and leads through influence rather than hierarchy. The Chamber’s team is mission‑driven and talent‑dense, composed of individuals who take ownership of their work and are motivated by impact and purpose. Externally, the CEO is expected to strengthen relationships across a broad range of stakeholders, modeling an advocacy style that is principled, constructive, and decidedly non‑partisan, but effectual and bold. Success in this environment requires navigating a close‑knit, tradition‑minded community with sensitivity and communicating the Chamber’s perspective with clarity, credibility, and diplomacy in public forums and media. Early indicators of success include expanding trust across constituencies, maintaining continuity of high‑quality program execution, and contributing to a healthier civic dialogue. Over time, success will be reflected in the execution of a clear and measurable strategic plan, continued membership strength and engagement, and the ongoing integration of innovation and thought leadership into the Chamber’s institutional priorities.

Operationally, the CEO stewards financial discipline, modernizes systems and processes, and diversifies revenue to ensure the Chamber remains resilient and member‑centric. The leader manages board governance and volunteer engagement with transparency and accountability; uses data and storytelling to demonstrate value; and continuously adapts offerings to member needs. Ultimately, the CEO safeguards what makes the Winter Park Chamber exceptional while positioning it for its next chapter, one defined by inclusive collaboration, advocacy, and tangible economic impact for the businesses and residents it serves.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Community Positioning

• Shape a clear organizational direction that reflects Winter Park’s character, business environment, and long‑term aspirations; translate that vision into practical priorities, measurable goals, and steady progress visible to members and civic partners.

• Work closely with the Board to align governance, planning, and resource decisions with the Chamber’s mission and evolving role in the community.

• Regularly assess the Chamber’s initiatives, events, and services to ensure they reflect the needs of local businesses and residents; introduce thoughtful adjustments or new approaches that enhance relevance and impact.

• Strengthen the Chamber’s identity as a civic collaborator and community voice, helping guide constructive dialogue around growth, heritage, and economic vitality.

• Cultivate and advance strategic relationships across all levels of government – including municipal, county, and state – positioning the Chamber as a trusted and influential partner in policy development, regional collaboration, and initiatives that support economic vitality and business advocacy.

• Provide executive oversight and governance leadership for affiliated entities, serving as the registered agent and Executive Director of WinterPAC and as an ex officio member of the Winter Park Improvement Foundation, ensuring alignment with the Chamber’s strategic priorities and community impact goals.

Operational Management

• Safeguard and cultivate a workplace culture defined by trust, autonomy, professionalism, and shared purpose; ensure staff feel supported, valued, and empowered.

• Provide clear expectations, thoughtful delegation, and strong communication to maintain high performance and operational rhythm across a lean, mission‑driven team.

• Engage volunteer leaders, board members, and community ambassadors in meaningful ways that extend the Chamber’s influence and programming strength.

• Maintain consistent internal communication and organizational transparency to reinforce cohesion and alignment.

Civic Engagement and Partnership Development

• Build constructive, trust‑based relationships with City leadership, commissioners, and other public‑sector partners, helping the Chamber serve as a connector and problem‑solver in the community.

• Provide a steady, informed presence on issues affecting Winter Park’s business climate and quality of life; articulate positions in a manner that reflects the Chamber’s non‑partisan, solutions‑oriented approach.

• Expand partnerships with higher education, cultural organizations, philanthropic entities, and regional economic groups to amplify the Chamber’s reach and collaborative capacity.

• Serve as a visible representative of the Chamber in community forums, business events, and regional convenings.

Membership and Programming

• Ensure the Chamber’s programs, events, and content offerings (such as thought‑leadership platforms, business engagement efforts, and community‑facing initiatives) continue to be well‑executed, high quality, and reflective of community aspirations.

• Modernize the value proposition for members by strengthening services, refining communications, and ensuring responsiveness to small and mid‑sized businesses.

• Oversee operational systems, budgeting, financial stewardship, and day‑to‑day administration to maintain stability, reliability, and accountability.

• Work with staff and partners to enhance digital presence, storytelling, and brand consistency – including through the Welcome Center and other community‑touchpoint experiences.

Direct Reports

The President & CEO directly oversees the following executive leaders:

• Chief Marketing Officer

• Vice President, Programs

• Senior Director, Membership

• Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships

• Director, Finance and Operations

• Director, Government Affairs

• Chief of Staff

The Candidate

Experience and Professional Qualifications:

The next President & Chief Executive Officer of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce will be a relationship‑driven leader who understands that credibility in this role begins with building trust across a close‑knit community. Winter Park requires a CEO who can quickly establish rapport with City Hall, civic partners, business owners, and residents, someone who approaches the role with diplomacy, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to understand for the traditions and expectations that shape the city’s identity.

At the same time, the Chamber seeks an executive who can steward a uniquely high‑performing internal culture. The staff is mission‑motivated, highly capable, and accustomed to autonomy, flexibility, and a shared sense of purpose. The ideal candidate will have experience leading talented teams in environments where influence, coaching, and clear expectations matter more than hierarchy or rigid structure. The ability to preserve – and thoughtfully evolve – this culture is essential.

Strategically, the Chamber needs a leader who has operated in settings where community engagement, public‑facing leadership, and multi‑stakeholder alignment are central to success. Candidates may come from chambers of commerce, business associations, economic development organizations, higher education, nonprofits, or public‑sector entities. What matters most is demonstrated experience shaping strategy, leading through complexity, and delivering outcomes in organizations that depend on collaboration and relationship capital.

The role also demands someone who can elevate the Chamber’s growing thought‑leadership and content platforms. Experience with modern communications, storytelling, public speaking, and community‑facing programming will be critical as the Chamber continues to expand its visibility through initiatives such as its podcast, data scorecards, leadership experiences, and signature events. A comfort with digital engagement, contemporary marketing, and innovation will distinguish strong candidates.

Operational and business acumen remain core requirements, paired with a strong entrepreneurial mindset. The ideal executive will have managed budgets, diversified revenue streams, expanded programs, and worked effectively with volunteer leadership including boards, committees, and community partners. Experience strengthening organizational infrastructure – finance, systems, membership operations, sponsorship development, and event execution – is highly desirable, especially in lean or resource‑conscious environments.

Finally, the Winter Park Chamber seeks a CEO who brings genuine curiosity, integrity, and a long‑term orientation. The right leader will be able to balance continuity with thoughtful evolution, honoring the Chamber’s history while guiding it toward its next chapter of influence. This individual must be comfortable navigating civic nuance, capable of articulating a compelling vision, and confident enough to lead through alignment rather than authority. Above all, the Chamber seeks a leader who can inspire trust, foster collaboration, and help Winter Park continue to thrive economically, culturally, and civically.

Specific experience, qualifications and characteristics sought include:

• Proven ability to lead in a relationship driven, community centric environment, with experience working across diverse stakeholder groups such as city officials, civic leaders, higher education partners, major employers, and local small business owners

• Track record of cultivating high trust, high accountability organizational cultures, especially within mission driven teams that value autonomy, flexibility, and purpose over hierarchy, reflecting the Winter Park Chamber’s unique staff model and strong ownership mentality.

• Demonstrated success building and sustaining constructive civic relationships, including navigating Winter Park’s close knit and tradition minded community dynamics, strengthening ties with City Hall, and modeling a non partisan, diplomatic advocacy style that advances business interests without polarization.

• Experience designing and executing strategic initiatives in membership based, public facing organizations, with the ability to align board, staff, and community around long term priorities and translate strategy into visible outcomes across programs, events, policy work, and digital platforms.

• Comfort and fluency with modern communications and content driven community engagement, including public speaking, storytelling, and digital presence, in support of the Chamber’s growing thought leadership platforms, including its podcast, data scorecards, leadership initiatives, and signature events.

• Background in economic and workforce development, including familiarity with business retention and expansion, small business vitality, employer engagement, and partnerships with educational and training institutions; ability to represent business needs in areas such as housing, workforce readiness, and economic competitiveness.

• Demonstrated expertise in delivering stakeholder value and engagement, with experience modernizing member benefits, strengthening retention and growth, expanding sponsorship revenue, and designing programs that serve both small businesses and influential regional employers.

• Operational and financial leadership experience, including stewardship of lean budgets, fiscal oversight, revenue diversification, and strengthening organizational systems to support scalable program delivery and event execution.

• History of working effectively with volunteer leadership, including boards of directors, committees, and community task forces, with a focus on transparency, collaboration, and clear governance partnership.

• Ability to serve as a highly visible civic presence, representing the Chamber in public forums, media, and cross sector partnerships, bringing clarity, credibility, and diplomacy to community conversations.

• Leadership marked by integrity, humility, emotional intelligence, and a coaching orientation, empowering staff and volunteers, reinforcing cultural strengths, and guiding the Chamber with steadiness and professionalism.

• Capacity to drive execution while honoring local context, ensuring that new ideas, innovations, and organizational improvements respect Winter Park’s heritage, business landscape, and community values.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, advanced degree, or equivalent executive leadership experience strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation package commensurate with experience and aligned with organizations of similar size and scope. The package includes an expected base salary of $200,000 - $225,000 performance-based incentives, and a robust benefits program. Benefits include health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, and participation in professional development opportunities.

Application & Nominations

• Please send Resume/CV to:  WinterParkChamberofCommerceCEO@KornFerry.com

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and respect. We welcome and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable law.

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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.