- March 28, 2024
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The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce has found its new President/CEO.
Winter Park local Betsy Gardner Eckbert has been named the new head of the Winter Park Chamber, according to a statement from the Chamber released Wednesday.
"Betsy’s knowledge of the community and experience in building an international business will be an asset to our members from day one,” said Lou Nimkoff, chairman of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, in a press release. “Her energetic, can-do attitude will help the Chamber transition into an era of intense entrepreneurism and ensuring a value-driven experience for its members.”
The release said that Eckbert was chosen from a field of over 200 applicants from across the country. She has a 25-year history of community engagement, brand management, grassroots advocacy and sales and marketing experience. She’s spent several years in London building international business and leading sales and marketing efforts.
Her first day on the job will be Tuesday, Jan. 3.
“It’s humbling and exciting all at the same time,” said Eckbert, adding that she looks forward to bringing her expertise to her hometown that she loves.
The Winter Park High School graduate – and daughter of former longtime Orange County Clerk of Courts Lydia Gardner – said that she feels lucky to step into her position with the Chamber just investing in a strategic plan that maps out the future ahead. But that doesn’t mean she’s short on fresh ideas of her own.
“For me personally, I think my big overarching goals are all about value transfer: how does the Chamber transfer value to its members and to the community?” Eckbert said. “How do we make the touch points with the Chamber more meaningful and more profitable for the businesses in Winter Park and those who do business in Winter Park?”
The Chamber’s announcement comes in the wake of former President/CEO Patrick Chapin announcing his resignation on May 18, after accepting the role of CEO for Business High Point Inc. in North Carolina.