INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce has announced that Bill Penney, of Marine Bank & Trust Company, will assume the duties as Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors effective now through the end of September 2015.
Penney will assume the position as a result of Catherine McKenzie stepping down as Chairman following her decision to leave AT&T last week.
McKenzie said, “After a long and wonderful career with AT&T, it’s time for me to focus my energies on volunteer service and giving back to my community.” She leaves AT&T at the end of March.
Penney was recommended by the Chamber’s Executive Committee. He has served on the Chamber Board since 2010, and was Chairman in 2012 and 2013. He previously served as Chairman of the Indian River County Economic Development Council for two years. Current Vice Chairman of the Board is Jeff Schlitt, of Schlitt Services, who is now serving as Chairman of the Board for the Florida Association of Insurance Agents.
Penny Chandler, Chamber President said, “After decades of service to chambers from Palm Beach through Brevard Counties, our Chamber was privileged to have Cathy as our Chairman of the Board for the last 18-months. Her years of experience in legislative affairs work for AT&T provided us exceptional insight for our own legislative activity. And, her expertise in Tallahassee during our regional legislative conferences brought us the valuable perspective of a well-experienced lobbyist.”
McKenzie’s service with the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce began with her involvement on the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee in 2007. She became chairman of that committee in 2009. She served on the Chamber Board as a Director at Large in 2009 and was elected to the Board for a first term in 2010 and subsequently for a second term in 2013. Her second term on the Board coincided with her second term as Chairman.
“Cathy has been a tireless Chamber volunteer. She has been involved, thoughtful and hardworking and I know she will continue to find ways to make our community a special place,” Penney said.
The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce is a county-wide organization located in Vero Beach representing the business community by providing services, benefits and leadership for positive growth and change.