Tammy Bracewell Photo courtesy of Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce
By KEVIN BRADY
Tammy Bracewell, president and CEO of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, is stepping down.
Bracewell will assume responsibility for special projects.
“The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant,” said Bracewell who said it was an honor to lead the Chamber.
Citing the need and desire to spend more time with her two grandchildren, Bracewell, a 24-year veteran of the organization, had approached the members of the chamber’s executive committee with a succession plan that would allow her to continue to contribute to Chamber while also allowing her the flexibility to work at home.
“While we were not anticipating Tammy’s decision to change roles, we are pleased that we are able to fulfill her desire to spend more time with her family, while still having the benefit of her experience and expertise,” said Laura Simpson, the Chamber’s current Vice President of Engagement and Programming.”
Simpson will serve as the Chamber’s interim president and CEO.
“We are excited about the steps leading up to the transition that have already occurred and, with her and Laura having worked closely for many years, we anticipate this being a seamless process,” said executive committee Chairman Darren Denington, of Service with Style and Copper Bell Cafe-Riverview.
“Since becoming CEO, Tammy Bracewell has devoted her heart and soul to this organization and its people,” said Bivins, of Bivins & Hemenway, P.A., a former executive committee chairman who worked with Bracewell on the transition. “Her guidance, vision, and tireless efforts are largely responsible for the success the Chamber has enjoyed and the role it has played in our community over the last 20-plus years. We all owe Tammy a huge debt of gratitude and she will forever have my deep-rooted respect and heartfelt friendship.”
“It has been an honor to serve with Tammy for the past 13 years and I am eager to continue to work together, although within a little different structure, to advance the business community of the Greater Brandon area,” said Simpson, a 13-year Chamber veteran.