Daytona Regional Chamber Names New President and CEO

On the calendar, October is the beginning of the last quarter of the year, but it will mark a new beginning for the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce. After a nationwide search, the business organization has hired Kristin Weiss to be its next president and chief executive officer.

Weiss, who has led the Central Fort Bend Chamber in Rosenberg, Texas, for the past seven-and-a-half years, will take the helm at the Daytona Regional Chamber Oct. 6, replacing current president and Ceo Nancy Keefer. Keefer announced her retirement earlier this year and leaves the Chamber in mid-December.

According to a media release, during Weiss’s tenure in Texas the Central Fort Bend Chamber earned the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 5-Star Accreditation and spearheaded a workforce development initiative. She is a Certified Chamber Executive and has a total of 15 years of experience in a variety of chamber positions.

“We are excited to welcome Kristin and look forward to working with her to continue to elevate the Daytona Regional Chamber’s mission of providing a platform for businesses to grow and thrive in our region,” said Daytona Regional Chamber Chairman of the Board Mike Sznapstajler, in the release. “There will be a two-and-a-half-month transition opportunity with Nancy Keefer to help introduce her to the community and ensure a smooth leadership change.”

The Chamber’s Search Committee, led by Sznapstajler, completed an extensive process of resume reviews, virtual and on-site interviews, and recommended Weiss to the Board of Directors.  At a special meeting in late July, the Board unanimously approved the Search Committee’s recommendation to offer her the key position, the release states.

“I am truly honored and excited to join the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce as Incoming President and CEO,” Weiss said in the release. “I look forward to collaborating with the dedicated staff, board and valued members as we continue to advance the region’s vibrant business community.”

In an interview with EVOLVE News, Keefer said the Chamber had a succession plan in place. She said her role in the process was to identify platforms to promote the job opening and provide an initial overview of applications for further consideration of the Search Committee.  

“I have known Kristin for 20 years and have watched her grow in her leadership role,” Keefer said.  “She has a proven track record of success in the chamber industry including the designation as a Certified Chamber Executive and her leadership of a 5- Star Accredited Chamber.  I am very excited about what she will bring to the Chamber and the community as a professional. Her personality and positive energy are contagious, and I believe she will be well received in our community.”

The months between Weiss’s arrival and Keefer’s departure will be an opportunity for a smooth transition.

“One of the main priorities of the transitional period will be for me to introduce Kristin to the community and make sure she meets as many community leaders and members as possible early on,” Keefer said.  “Starting in October we are fully engaged in planning for the next year.  I will be able to make sure that we continue to conduct ‘business as usual’ so that she has a solid foundation as she assumes her leadership role for our chamber.”

In an interview with EVOLVE News, Weiss said when she heard Keefer was retiring she immediately reached out.

“Our chambers of commerce share many similarities — both are 5-Star Accredited, serve coastal communities and are deeply committed to supporting local businesses, even when faced with challenges like hurricanes,” Weiss said. “We also have a shared focus on youth involvement in workforce development and initiatives like the One Table Community Dinner, which underscore a broader commitment to community collaboration. I am looking forward to evaluating all of the Chamber’s current programs and exploring ways we can expand and grow our programs for the business community in the future. “

Weiss said her husband, Charlie, attended Bike Week in 2006 “and shared wonderful stories about his experience.” She added the sense of community she felt when visiting the area in July was noticeable.

“I was truly impressed by the warmth and hospitality of the community,” she said. “The strong sense of pride and connection among residents reminded me of the close-knit atmosphere I’ve appreciated in other communities, such as around the Central Fort Bend Chamber. My husband and I are genuinely excited about settling in and becoming active members of Daytona Beach when we move in late September.”

Weiss said she is ready to get to work when she arrives.

“My experience aligns closely with the Chamber’s mission to advance business success and shape public policy in the Daytona Beach region,” she said. “And honestly, who wouldn’t be inspired to follow in Nancy Keefer’s footsteps?”