The North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors finalized leadership changes and set plans for its annual banquet during a January 8 meeting, according to chamber officials.
The organization will see four board members departing due to term limits and personal circumstances, reshaping the business group’s leadership heading into 2026.
Board Transitions
Three long-serving board members are completing their six-year terms and will step down following the February annual meeting: Steve Futch, Rhonda Hamilton, and Brad Smith. Board members must sit out a minimum of one year after completing two, three-year terms.
Grace Johns also resigned from the board due to increased work responsibilities and personal commitments.
“I would no longer be able to give the role the time and attention it deserves,” said Pam Whittle, chamber president, reading from Johns’ resignation letter. Johns was slated to lead the board as chair in the upcoming year.
Three new board members have been selected to fill the vacancies:
Chris Page, who works at DLP Bank, will return to the board after completing his mandatory one-year hiatus. He previously served six years on the board and will assume the role of treasurer. Outgoing chamber chair Brad Smith praised Page as “one of those quiet super volunteers who is involved in a lot of stuff but doesn’t do it for the glory.”
Dawn Strickland, who currently serves on the board of the Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation, will join the chamber board. Whittle said Strickland had expressed interest in serving on the chamber board and will bring her economic development experience to the new role.
DLP Bank President Harry Gunsallus will transition from a one-year trial appointment to a full three-year term.
Johns’ resignation leaves one additional seat vacant. The chamber is actively seeking a qualified community member who can commit to monthly meetings and participate in ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and other chamber events.
With Johns’ departure, the chamber’s executive leadership has been reorganized. Justis Smith has been elevated from chair-elect to chair for 2026. Scott Kornegay will fill the vacant chair-elect office, positioning him to assume the chair in 2027.
Annual Banquet Set for February 7
The Chamber’s annual banquet is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, at the Governor Charley E. Johns Conference Center. This year’s theme is “Yellowstone,” inspired by the popular television western series.
Individual tickets are $90, with tables of 10 available for $850. Whittle noted that many attendees organize groups of 10 friends to share a table. The event typically draws between 250 and 300 attendees.
In a new initiative this year, the chamber will recognize Teachers of the Year and School-Related Employees of the Year from each of Bradford County’s public schools.
The Bradford Education Foundation will hold a fundraiser during the event.
Recreation leader introduced
In other business, the board met the county’s new recreation department director, introduced by Commissioner Danny Reddick. New director, Deana DeSiena, discussed plans to reintroduce local business sponsorships for youth sports teams and install sponsor banners at recreational facilities.
