by The South Lake Chamber of Commerce
The South Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted its December Trustee and Board of Directors Luncheon on December 15, bringing together Chamber leadership, trustees, and community partners to celebrate a year of exceptional growth while formally recognizing board transitions and leadership for 2026
2025 Board Chair Jamie Lowe reflected on a milestone year for the Chamber, highlighting growth to more than 1,000 members, the addition of 222 new members, and 88 ribbon cuttings throughout South Lake County. Signature events—including the South Lake Business Awards, Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, Sips & Salsa Festival, Taste of South Lake & Business Expo, and the 7th Annual South Lake Golf Tournament—welcomed more than 15,000 attendees in 2025, reinforcing the Chamber’s strong community impact.
During the program, the Chamber formally approved its 2026 Executive Board, which includes:
• Chair: Donna Kirtland, LiveWell Foundation of South Lake
• Vice Chair: Jeff Powell, Powell Studio Architecture
• Treasurer: Monica Wofford, Contagious Companies
• Secretary: Paul Johns, Orlando Health – South Lake Hospital
• Immediate Past Chair: Jamie Lowe, Lake Catherine Farms
The Chamber also welcomed its new Board Members for a first three-year term:
• Brendan Richmond, Universal Studios
• Christina Meyer, BlueWater Family Wellness
• J. Brian Miles, SouthLake.TV
• Jo Lynn Nicholson, Metes & Bounds Title Company
• Justin Allender, First National Bank of Mt. Dora
• Nelida Andon, Niagara Bottling
Board Members renewed for a second three-year term include:
• Jean Gallagher, Walt Disney World Resort
• Regina Cruz-Morales, Keller Williams Elite Partners III Realty
Special recognition was given to outgoing Board Members for their years of dedicated service to the Chamber and the South Lake community:
• Amanda Hansen, Seacoast Bank
• Chuck Gainsford, Gainsford Insurance
• Jenna Emerson, CEMEX
• Mary Lou Burdette-Wieloszynski, Granny Nannies
• Sheri Olson, Orlando Health – South Lake Hospital
The luncheon concluded with remarks from incoming Chair Donna Kirtland, who shared her enthusiasm for the year ahead and reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to collaboration, advocacy, and strengthening the South Lake business community. The South Lake Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere gratitude to its Board of Directors, Trustees, staff, and community partners for their continued leadership and support in making South Lake County a thriving place to live, work, and do business.
