The Board of Directors of the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce has named Samantha Merritt as Executive Director of the organization. Merritt has served as Interim Executive Director since the resignation of Andrew Cripps in December. Previously, she worked as the Membership Representative for the chamber where she doubled the size of the membership in less than two years, assisted in the creation and development of many of the chamber’s most popular programs and events such as the Simply Sumter program, the annual Sumter County Beef and Boogie Festival, and more.
As Interim Executive Director, Merritt has worked alongside the Board of Directors to establish new policies and procedures that will serve as the foundation for the future of the organization including the adoption of a five year strategic plan.
“I have been involved with the chamber for many years, and we have never had a director with the amount of passion and enthusiasm for what she does as Samantha Merritt, and it’s contagious,” said chamber Treasurer Brooke Hibbard. “There is a new energy and a renewed sense of purpose. There is cohesiveness at all levels from the Board to the membership that didn’t exist before.”
Merritt was officially named Executive Director on July 1 by a unanimous vote. No other candidates were considered for the position.
“Samantha Merritt has grit,” said chamber President Brett Hage. “In my mind, this is the single most important characteristic needed to be successful. Her drive to get through any obstacle to achieve a goal is exemplary!”
“Being able to serve such an outstanding business community in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation is an indescribable honor,” said Merritt. “I have such an incredible team, and I learn and grow every single day. I’m excited about what we’ve accomplished, and even more excited about where we’re going.”
Merritt is a Sumter County native, and she resides in Bushnell with her son Cameron and daughter Avery. She is a graduate of Leadership Sumter 2012 and was recognized in 2012 as one of Lake and Sumter County’s Top 40 under 40 business professionals by the South Lake Press.
The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce is the primary business organization in Sumter County, Florida, representing more than 450 business members. Its purpose is to educate, support and promote businesses in Sumter County. For information about membership, please contact the chamber at 352-793-3099 or visit www.sumterchamber.org.