Chamber announces Kevin Cooper as new leader

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has selected its new leader. 

Starting Oct. 7, Kevin Cooper will formally assume the role of president and CEO. He will be introduced during he organization’s annual membership meeting and Salute to Business at The Hyatt Regency. 

The position was made available when former President and CEO Steve Queior stepped down from the role in May. Queior has held the position since 2003.

“I’m honored to accept the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of talented professionals, dedicated members and passionate volunteers committed to working together to build, sustain and grow a successful, vibrant business environment.” -Kevin Cooper

Following Queior’s announcement to leave the Board of Directors began the search for a new leader with a transition team fielding more than 200 submissions. 

“We have seen Kevin serve this community with strength and vision in his recent chamber and community foundation roles” said Lisa Krouse, Board of Directors chairwoman. “After a thorough search process, we are pleased to have found the best individual to assume leadership of a dynamic organization representing the diverse voices of member organizations who together drive our local and regional economy.”

Cooper serves as the Director of Community Investment for the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. He’s previously held the leadership a position with the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce as the vice president for public policy and Sarasota Tomorrow initiatives. Cooper also served as Executive Director for the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. His term on the Sarasota County Planning Commission but his term is set to end on Dec. 30. 

Cooper has lived in Sarasota since 2008 with his wife Missy. Before moving to Sarasota Cooper served for six years in the Army. Cooper earned his undergraduate bachelor’s degree in marketing from Kent State University and his MBA from Florida State University.

“I’m honored to accept the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of talented professionals, dedicated members and passionate volunteers committed to working together to build, sustain and grow a successful, vibrant business environment,” Cooper said in a release. “The mission of the Chamber is integral to our quality of life. I plan on working in partnership with our members to build on the strength, capacity and expertise of this Chamber to continue its leadership role in advocating for business opportunity in Greater Sarasota.”