Meet the New Executive Director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce

Question: What prompted you to apply for the Executive Director position? 

Answer: It has been a life long dream of mine to eventually relocate to Southwest Florida and had been actively searching a variety of online employment sites, specifically targeting opportunities in the Sarasota area. When I read the job description I thought – Wow!  

Q: Do you have any  nonprofit or chamber experience? 

A: Yes, I have 12+ years in nonprofit management and event planning.

Q: What do you know about Siesta Key and Sarasota? 

A: The first time I visited Sarasota (about 5 years ago) I immediately felt at home.  I absolutely love the culture, the dynamic arts, tourism, and business community, and of course the beautiful weather and beaches. 

Q: You have been a Promotion and Events Director, how long and what was the biggest event you managed? 

A: For over 5 years, I managed the Springfield Area Arts Council's First Night Springfield, which is a family-oriented, New Year's Eve celebration of the Arts.  This event involved 10 or so sites which each host a variety of arts performances simultaneously from afternoon to Midnight, concluding with a major fireworks display. Average attendance was 5000 (with good weather). 

Q: What was the funniest event you recently managed?

A: I'm so proud of the Downtown Bacon Throwdown (July 2015) – it was great fun to be creative and bring a new event to Springfield.  We had a blast with the promotion and the media and the public just ate it up (no pun intended)!  The two day event had 10 live bands, 15 food vendors, a People's Choice bacon competition, a car wrapped in bacon duct tape, bacon themed costumes, and a free kids area.  6500 people attended!

Q: Where did you grow up, were you a city or country girl? 

A: Total country girl!  I grew up on a hog and grain farm just East of Springfield.  I loved working on the farm and showing hogs in 4H!  I had a wonderful childhood and appreciate the work ethic and values my parents taught my brothers and I.

Q: How would you describe yourself? 

A: Outgoing, dedicated, and organized; plus, fun-loving with a good sense of humor.

Q: How did you get involved as an Events Director? 

A: I've always enjoyed being involved with events and community projects, and have a knack for organizing and working with a variety of people. While pursuing a master degree in Community Art Management and Public Administration I became directly involved with the Arts Council and other local nonprofit groups which gave me great experience and lead to career choices.

Q: Where did you go to college, and what courses did you take? 

A: A.A. degree – Benedictine University, Springfield, IL;  B.A. degree and Masters program – Community Art/Nonprofit Management and Public Administration – University of Illinois at Springfield.

Q: What would you like to say to the business and residents of Siesta Key?

A: I'm so grateful for the opportunity to become part of your community and look forward to a great 2016!