The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has tapped Deborah Wing to step up to president.
Wing, who has served as vice president for the chamber for four years, was selected from a field of more than 60 applicants and a narrowed list of 10 candidates.
The chamber’s board of directors assembled the Anna Maria Island President Selection Committee after former president Mary Ann Brockman announced she was stepping down from the position she held for 21 years.
Over the past four months, the committee reviewed resumes from across the country, seeking someone with the right skills in public speaking, social awareness, business, accounting and leadership.
When the interviews were completed, the committee found the person they were looking for was already on staff.
The board announced the new hire at its May 20 meeting.
Wing has worked for the chamber for six years and said she’s ready and able to take on the role of president.
“I’m ready for the responsibility,” she said. “And I have a few ideas I’d like to implement to help the future of the chamber.”
Wing’s plans will involve bringing more eco-friendly businesses and guests to the island and increasing the chamber’s annual grant awards from the Save the Trolley program.
Wing will become president June 1 and Brockman will stay on until the end of June for a smooth transition.
The chamber has about 600 business members and approximately 40 nonprofit members.
The chamber board of directors meets the third Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
— Tal Reeve