Brenda Whitehead is the new president and CEO of the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, effective Monday, August 5.
Whitehead has been CEO of the Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce for the past seven-plus years. Among other positions, her prior experience includes a program manager role for community and economic development with the Municipality of Port Hope and director of economic and community development with the Township of Cavan Monaghan.
In addition to running her own consulting business, she is an active community volunteer, including serving on the board of directors for Junior Achievement and working on committees with the Workforce Development Board.
“We are thrilled that Brenda is joining us as president and CEO,” says Susan Dunkley, chair of the board of the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Peterborough-based business Suzi Homemaker, in a media release.
“She will be an excellent addition to our chamber and our community. She understands the needs in business, the challenges they face in our current climate, and she’s passionate about community building. With her background and vision, I’m looking forward to seeing the chamber continue to grow and flourish under her direction.”
The Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has been without a permanent president and CEO since Sarah Budd departed the role last October to join Peterborough County’s new economic development and tourism department. Budd had been the chamber’s president and CEO for over two years, taking over from long-time president and CEO Stuart Harrison, who retired after 20 years in the role.
According to the media release, Whitehead’s focus will be on relationship building, strategic planning, and membership services, and she has a mandate to expand the advocacy and engagement of the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber together with the local business community, local government, and decision makers.
“Peterborough’s business community and the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber have a strong and well-known reputation,” Whitehead says. “I’m looking forward to taking what I know and working with the staff, board, and membership to facilitate its on-going growth and success. There is so much opportunity within the chamber and within Peterborough. I’m excited to get to work and continue to do the work I love to do.”
As for the Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce, the organization says it will be announcing its leadership transition plan in the coming weeks.
