Manatee Chamber Names New President and CEO

From Manatee Chamber: The leadership of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to name long-time chamber executive Jacki Dezelski president and chief executive officer of the 2,100-member business advocacy organization, announced chamber Chairman Kevin DiLallo. Dezelski has been serving in the post on an interim basis following the passing of former President and CEO Bob Bartz.

“Jacki is a superlative leader and knows our chamber and community inside and out,” DiLallo said. “She has led numerous important initiatives with our members, leadership and partners across Manatee County, while demonstrating intelligence, insight and entrepreneurial skills. The chamber’s role in shaping our economy and quality of life has never been more vital. Having the right leader at the helm is critical to our success: Jacki Dezelski is that leader.”

“I am deeply honored to serve the Manatee Chamber as its chief executive,” Dezelski said. “Having worked many years with Bob Bartz, who defined the role and shaped the organization’s succession plan, I am well-prepared to help our leaders take the organization to the next level.”

Dezelski joined the chamber staff in 1996 as communications manager and advanced rapidly to vice president and then executive vice president. Named the Florida Chamber Professional of the Year in 2015, Dezelski has led chamber programs and policy development related to strategic planning, education, workforce development, healthcare, and more. She oversaw the launch of the Manatee Young Professionals (MYP) program and managed studies on healthcare and the economic impact of the arts that laid the foundation for action and funding to benefit the community.

Dezelski has served as a volunteer leader with numerous community organizations, including Leadership Manatee, Manatee Healthcare Alliance, United Way of Manatee County, Harvest United Methodist Church, and many more. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Florida. She also earned the Institute of Organizational Management credential from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Dezelski is married and has two children.

Photo courtesy of Manatee Chamber