Chamber Leadership
A Message from the Chair
Dear Valued Members,
Happy New Year! It is my honor to serve as the Chair of the Board for the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, a respected organization with a legacy of supporting our business community. As we look toward our 100th anniversary, I am filled with optimism for the journey ahead and the opportunity to work alongside you to continue building on our remarkable achievements.
This year’s theme, "Making Waves," captures the energy, innovation, and collective impact that define our Chamber and community. Over the past 98 years, we have made incredible strides in driving economic growth, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the vitality of South Tampa. Like the waves in the ocean, our efforts have created ripples of progress that inspire entrepreneurship, forge partnerships, and strengthen our local economy.
Our success has always been rooted in the strength of our community. The collaboration between our members, volunteers, and community leaders has been the foundation of our achievements. Together, we have navigated challenges and seized opportunities, proving that when we work together, we can accomplish great things.
As we move into 2025, we will continue to drive innovation and champion initiatives that empower businesses, promote economic development, and position our region as a thriving hub of opportunity. The year ahead holds immense potential, and I am confident that we will make waves that extend far beyond our community.
Thank you for your ongoing support. It is truly an honor to serve as your Board Chair, and I am excited for the opportunities to collaborate in the year ahead. Here's to making waves in 2025 and beyond!
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Tanya Cielo
2025 Chair of the Board
boardchair@southtampachamber.org
2025 Executive Committee
2025 Chair of the Board
Tanya Cielo
Sky Strategic Marketing
Chair-Elect
Blake Guthrie (2022-2024)
ReliaQuest Bowl
Immediate Past Chair
Tara Moody
Synergy Technology Solutions
Treasurer
Heather DeGrave
Walters Levine & DeGrave
Treasurer-Elect
Susan Nieland
CFO2U
Consulting Attorney
Megan McAteer
Kline McAteer Law
President & CEO
Kelly Flannery, FCCP
South Tampa Chamber
2025 Board of Directors
Chris Chambers
The Paratus Group
Opal Hudson
Hillsborough County Property Appraiser's Office
Zahira Lehri
Yaqeen LLC, DBA Planet Smoothie
Elizabeth Montante
Zips Cleaners & Qdoba Mexican Eats
Dean Akers
Adjunct.CEO
Elan Melamed
Tampa General Hospital
Joel Brown
TECO / Tampa Electric / Peoples Gas
Juan Concheiro
Catering By The Family
Bobby Daniel
United Community
Kristin Davis
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Shae Gee
Tampa International Airport
Brian Ramirez
Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority
South Tampa Chamber Board Chairs
Sam Young 1968-69
Willard Staples 1969-71
Charles Springer 1971-72
Charles Campbell 1972-74
John Rumbough 1974-76
Doris Crosby 1976-77
Ed Worley 1977-78
Richard Brown 1978-79
James Wisner 1979-80
Bob Hatton 1982-83
Larry Smith 1987-88
Sally Harris 1988-89
Bill Strickland 1989-90
Bob Alexander 1990-91
Anita Ramirez 1991-93
Debra Palmer 1993-94
Bill Wadsworth 1994-95
Cindy Maxie 1995-96
David Dowers 1996-97
Ron Gauszka 1997-98
Gail Moore 1998-99
Dave Gutcher 1999-00
Robert Rowen 2000-01
Leigh Humes 2001-02
Jerry Clark 2002-03
Joe Dascola 2003-04
David Jones 2004-05
Anita Ramirez 2005-06
Bob Graham 2006-07
Ron Sweet 2007-08
Dave Varrieur 2008-09
Dave Gutcher 2009-10
James Quinlan 2010-11
Dennis Meyers 2011-12
Carson Burke Bomar 2012-13
Starr Tyrka 2014
Samantha Dammer 2015
Bill Yanger 2016
Mike Jenkins 2017
Ed Siler 2018
Bill Yanger 2016
Connie Gage 2019-20
Chris Bentley 2021
Rebekah Nault 2022
Shane Smith 2023
Tara Moody 2024