Greater Pensacola Chamber Selects Interim President And CEO

July 25, 2013

The Greater Pensacola Chamber Board of Directors recently announced its selection of former Pensacola Mayor Jerry Maygarden to serve as the Chamber’s interim president and chief executive officer. Maygarden, who was unanimously voted on by the Board, will oversee all operational aspects of the Chamber and its tourism arm, Visit Pensacola.

A former city councilman, Maygarden also served as a state legislator and majority leader in the Florida House of Representatives. He was the president and chief executive officer for the Baptist Health Care Foundation and has served as a senior administrator and chief development officer for the Baptist Medical System.

“As a Pensacola native, this community is very near and dear to my heart,” said Interim President and CEO Jerry Maygarden. “The Chamber is an exceptional organization, and I plan to work collaboratively with the board and staff to build upon its success.”

Maygarden will replace outgoing Chamber President and CEO Jim Hizer, CCE, CEcD, who is set to depart from the organization on August 15. The contract with Maygarden is expected to run between 90 and 120 days, after which the Chamber expects to find a permanent CEO.

“This role is critical to ensuring that the Chamber is operating at its peak performance and is continuing to serve as the region’s main economic development organization,” said Sandy Sansing, Chairman of the Greater Pensacola Chamber Board of Directors. “Jerry has a great reputation for his professionalism and integrity, and we are looking forward to his leadership as the Chamber continues to move in a positive direction.”

A graduate from the University of West Florida, Maygarden holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communication arts. He also completed professional development programs in public policy and church administration conducted by the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, respectively. Maygarden officially began his new post on July 23.

Comments

3 Responses to “Greater Pensacola Chamber Selects Interim President And CEO”

  1. John on July 27th, 2013 11:42 pm

    That is sad to receive that type of advice from the Pensacola Chamber and have to move to a different county for assistance to start a business.

  2. e stillwell on July 27th, 2013 8:47 am

    Amen John. My entrepreneurial friend tried to start business here and someone at pcola chamber told her to go to Okaloosa county if she wanted it started within a year – - that is so sad. She took his advice and is now growing in Destin – from 3 employees to 9 in one year!

  3. John on July 25th, 2013 10:47 pm

    The problem with the Pensacola Chamber is it is government funded, so it must abide by the sunshine laws and every whim of local government. I looked at the Mobile, AL Chamber and it is entirely independent of local government and is financed by local businesses. It is by and for business. They actively recruit businesses to join, offer discounts among members, help companies start up (train), recruit out of town firms, all independently of local government. certainly there is something to be learned here. We need to get off out tails and recruit some AIRBUS suppliers. What is wrong with these people!