Behind every successful Chamber event, new business connection, community initiative, and opportunity to grow, there are dedicated people who believe in Punta Gorda.
Our Chamber is fortunate to have an extraordinary group of business and community leaders who volunteer their time, share their expertise, and help guide our mission.
These individuals aren't simply serving on committees. They're investing in the future of our business community.
And for that, we couldn't be more grateful!
Executive Committee
Leadership. Vision. Commitment.
Our Executive Committee provides leadership, strategic guidance, and oversight to help ensure the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce remains a strong, effective voice and resource for our members.
These dedicated leaders balance their own professional responsibilities with a shared commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening our community.
Isaac James, Board President - Military Heritage Museum
Bill Comber, President Elect - Superior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Zarita Dixon, Vice President - The Kingdom Center for Hope
Carlton Hughes, Treasurer - Florida Premier Contractors
Lynne Matthews, Secretary - Peace River Wildlife Center
Justin Brand, Immediate Past President - Lee Health Foundation
To our Executive Committee: Thank you for your leadership, your guidance, and your belief in what our Chamber can accomplish together!
About Us
Resource Development Committee
A strong Chamber needs more than great ideas. It needs the relationships, partnerships, and resources to bring those ideas to life. Our Resource Development Committee helps support the Chamber's long-term sustainability by encouraging member engagement, developing partnerships, and identifying opportunities that strengthen our organization.
From sponsorship relationships to resource development initiatives, this committee helps create the foundation that allows our Chamber to serve its members and community.
Jennifer Beane (Chair) - Charlotte Harbor Trust and Wealth Management
Beth Marcino - Peace River Wildlife Center
Dan O’Connell - The Logie Group Realtors
Teresa Desguin - Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Aubrey Zentgraf - Animal Welfare League
Stacey Lowery - Pinkerton Payroll and Insurance
Zarita Dixon - The Kingdom Center for Hope
Wendy Tirado - Dream Salon Spa
Chris Wilhelm - Wilhelm Painting
Thank you to Jennifer and our Resource Development Committee for helping turn community support into meaningful opportunities for our members!
Business & Economic Development Group
Our Business & Economic Development Group focuses on strengthening connections, encouraging collaboration, and exploring opportunities that support a healthy, vibrant local economy.
By bringing business leaders together, this group helps keep the conversation focused on what matters: supporting existing businesses, encouraging responsible economic growth, and helping Punta Gorda remain a wonderful place to live, work, visit, and invest.
Bill Comber (Chair) - Superior Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Kay Tracy - Charlotte County Economic Development Office
Carla Nix - The Nix Team Realtors
June Amara - Creative Windows
Rob Humpel - Florida Premier Contractors
Wendy Tirado - Dream Salon Spa
Nancy Johnson - Nancy Johnson Consulting
Ed Wotitzky - Wotitzky Law
Ray Laroche - Punta Gorda Airport
Dr. Missy Reichert - City of Punta Gorda
Thank you to Bill and the Business & Economic Development Group for your dedication to the businesses and economic future of Punta Gorda!
Membership Committee
Our members are the heart of everything we do! The Membership Committee helps strengthen our Chamber by welcoming new businesses, encouraging member engagement, supporting retention efforts, and helping members discover the full value of their membership.
Because joining the Chamber should be more than receiving a membership certificate. It should be the beginning of meaningful relationships, new opportunities, and a stronger connection to our community!
Jacqueline Benjamin (Chair) - Crews Bank
Crystal Coovert - John R. Wood Properties
Mark Dumser - MD Pressure Washing
Thank you to our Membership Committee for making sure our members feel welcomed, valued, connected, and supported!
Governance Committee
Behind every successful organization is a commitment to accountability, integrity, and responsible leadership. Our Governance Committee helps support the Chamber's organizational health by reviewing governance practices, supporting board development, and helping ensure our leadership structure remains effective and aligned with our mission.
Their work may not always happen in the spotlight, but it plays an essential role in building a strong and sustainable Chamber.
Good governance creates the foundation for great things to happen!
Lynne Matthews (Chair) - Peace River Wildlife Center
Walt Fortney - Walt's Garage
Thank you to our Governance Committee for your commitment to responsible leadership and the long-term success of our Chamber!
Volunteers Are the Heart of Our Chamber!
Here's something we never want our community to forget: Our Chamber is stronger because people choose to give their time to something bigger than themselves.
These leaders have businesses to run, careers to manage, families to care for, and countless other responsibilities. Yet they still show up. They share ideas. They offer guidance. They build relationships. They help solve problems. And they give their time because they believe in the future of Punta Gorda.
That kind of commitment deserves recognition.
To every committee member, chairperson, and volunteer: Thank you!
Your leadership makes a difference. Your service matters. And our Chamber is better because of you.
Want to Get More Involved?
One of the greatest benefits of Chamber membership is the opportunity to help shape the future of our business community.
Whether you're interested in supporting Chamber programs, building business relationships, contributing your professional expertise, or helping create new opportunities for local businesses, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce to learn more about committee involvement and volunteer opportunities.
