Initiatives
Joining the Chamber opens doors to unique outreach and educational programs not available in other community organizations. You'll have access to a leadership framework that provides for personal development and community research initiatives. Our membership engagement strategy also lets you and your employees delve deeper into topics that matter to you.
As a key role in the Chamber’s retention plan, the Ambassador Committee serves as member relations support and assists with efforts to retain members through consistent personal interaction and involvement.
Informs and connects the service needs of non-profit Chamber members to the members-at-large.
2025 Chair
Dave Crowthers – L2 Total Business Solutions
Staff Contact
Rosanne Versaggi – Senior Director, Membership
The purpose of the Chamber’s Military Advisory Committee is to support military family readiness and quality of life initiatives that ensure Tampa Bay is postured for defense growth. Through the Chamber’s Vision 2026 Plan, the Military Advisory Committee will advocate for legislative priorities that enhance quality of life for military families, connect the Tampa Bay business community with military affiliated talent to address workforce needs and diversify the Chamber’s membership by engaging military affiliated members. The Military Advisory Committee is part of the Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation.
2025 Chair
Crystal Lewis – HNTB
2025 Vice-Chair Chair
Brian Mays – Patriot Mark Realty
Staff Contact
Katie Lopez, IOM – Vice President, Advocacy
The Minority Empowerment Program (MEP) is an initiative of the Chamber designed to bring Black and Hispanic owned and led businesses and nonprofits into the community conversation through Chamber membership, resulting in a more inclusive environment and approach toward business growth throughout the region. Along with the benefits of an Enterprise Chamber Membership, participants also receive quarterly specialized programming, as well as invite only special sessions and networking events with the Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator participants.
2025 Chair
Karl Davis – Karl A. Davis Coaching Services
Staff Contact
Emily Manco – Member and Program Manager
The Policy Advisory Committee surveys key local constituent groups and Chambers members to identify legislative issues of high importance to the business community and provides recommendations for the annual Legislative Agendas. Monitors and keeps members regularly informed on pending legislation of business interest at the federal, state and local levels. Liaises with elected officials representing Tampa Bay.
2025 Chair
Mattie Velasco – Open Forum Strategy
2025 Vice-Chair
Monica Maybank – The Almond Group
Staff Contact
Nzinga Barnette – Director, Advocacy
Plans and executes the nomination and selection process of the Small Business of the Year awards and obtains sponsorships for the program.
2025 Chair
Kristin Johnson – Source 1 Solutions
2025 Vice-Chair
Lindsay August – TD Bank
Staff Contact
Meaghan Gelinski, CMP - Senior Director, Events
Plans Women's Programming, including the annual Women of Influence Luncheon, one of the Chamber’s Signature Events, and two smaller luncheons and two evening events each year. The committee is also active in various outreach efforts, partnering with existing Chamber programs to assist with public policy initiatives, veteran employment efforts and young professional mentorship.
2025 Chair
Heather DeGrave – Walters Levine & DeGrave
2025 Vice-Chair
Stacy Miller – BayView Financial Planning
Staff Contact
Meaghan Gelinski – Senior Director, Events
The purpose of the Workforce Development Committee is to develop workforce talent, advocate for innovative educational initiatives and inspire meaningful academic and business partnerships. Through the Chamber’s Vision 2026 Plan, the Workforce Development Committee will advocate for legislative priorities that support workforce development opportunities and connect the Tampa Bay business community with academic and training partners to develop their workforce. The Workforce Development Committee is part of the Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation.
2025 Chair
Olivier Millour – Junior Achievement
2025 Vice-Chair
Rebecca Siviglia – Moffitt Cancer Center
Staff Contact
Nzinga Barnette – Director, Advocacy