PHOTO VIA WINTER PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Betsy Gardner (LinkedIn) is stepping down as President and CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce on May 1. Gardner has led the Chamber since 2017, and she is leaving to start her own business.
Under Gardner’s leadership, the Chamber was named one of the top three chambers in the United States in 2023. Gardner launched the Relaunch program, which helps professional women return to the workforce after a career pause, and she also started the B Student podcast in 2025.
“I am grateful for nine years at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce,” Gardner said. “I am leaving to start my own business in no small part due to the skills I have learned and connections I have made working with business leaders and entrepreneurs here in Central Florida.”
The Board has hired Korn Ferry to search for the next CEO. Candidates can submit materials to WinterParkChamberofCommerceCEO@KornFerry.com. Gardner will stay on as a strategic advisor to the Winter Park Ideas Foundation for the 2028 Winter Park Ideas Fest.
Board Chair Keith Wittingham said the Chamber will continue all normal operations during the transition.
The Winter Park Chamber has more than 825 member businesses and hosts over 100 events each year.
