- May 2, 2024
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Flagler County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jorge Gutierrez resigned from his position with the chamber, effective immediately, on Sept. 13.
Gutierrez has led the chamber since he took over from former Chamber President Rebecca DeLorenzo after her departure in August 2017.
"As we approach 2020, I have concluded that to take the Chamber to the next level; we need another leader to continue the outstanding work my staff and I have completed in the past two years."
— JORGE GUTIERREZ
"As we approach 2020, I have concluded that to take the Chamber to the next level, we need another leader to continue the outstanding work my staff and I have completed in the past two years," Gutierrez wrote in an email announcing his resignation to chamber members. He also wants to pursue other career options, he added.
Gutierrez wrote that he had consulted with the chamber's executive committee and decided to make the transition now, rather than wait, and that a task force has been formed "that will implement new processes and continue the momentum moving forward."
"I offer my departure with a heavy heart, but I know it is the right decision and what’s best for our members," he wrote.
The chamber experienced a 15% increase in membership year over year under Gutierrez's leadership, and member retention reached its highest level in a decade, according to a Flagler County Chamber of Commerce news release.
The task force will be led by Chair-elect Mark Langello, according to the news release, while the chamber's chairman of the board, Allen Goodman, will serve as interim president after Gutierrez's departure.
Gutierrez's full letter is posted below.
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Dear Chamber Members,
It has been a little over two years since I took over the role of chamber president. During this time, we have worked hard executing our value proposition and made substantial changes that will position the Chamber for future growth and economic benefits for its members and the community. Membership is up 15% year over year, and retention has reached its highest level in a decade.
With that said, as we approach 2020, I have concluded that to take the Chamber to the next level; we need another leader to continue the outstanding work my staff and I have completed in the past two years. We have formed a new task force that will implement new processes and continue the momentum moving forward. I also want to pursue other career options.
In consultation with the executive committee, we believe the transition to a new leader is best served now rather than later. I, therefore, would like to tender my resignation as President of the Flagler Chamber of Commerce, effective immediately. I offer my departure with a heavy heart, but I know it is the right decision and what’s best for our members.
I will continue working with the executive the committee to assure a transparent transition. I would also like to share and mentioned that in my 25 years of senior management experience, I have not found a more dedicated executive committee than the one that currently is serving the Chamber. They have been very supportive and outstanding partners.
I would also like to thank you for being supportive and guiding me through these two challenging but significant years.
Thanks,
Jorge Gutierrez
