South Tampa Chamber Welcomes 2026 Board of Directors
The South Tampa Chamber is pleased to announce its 2026 Board of Directors, which will guide the organization as it proudly enters its 100th year of service to the South Tampa business community. The Chamber’s objectives for the coming year include growing membership through targeted recruitment and retention efforts, enhancing advocacy initiatives through an updated legislative agenda, and expanding educational programs and resources for professionals at every stage of their careers.
The 2026 Board of Directors will be led by Blake Guthrie, who will serve as Chair of the Board. Blake brings a dynamic blend of leadership and community engagement to the role. As Director of Community Partnerships for the ReliaQuest Bowl, he oversees strategic partnerships, community outreach, and major bowl events. With more than 20 years in sports management—including roles with ESPN Events, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, and USF Athletics—Blake is deeply involved across Tampa Bay and serves on multiple community boards.
Executive Committee
Chair of the Board – Blake Guthrie, ReliaQuest Bowl
Chair-Elect – Elizabeth Montante, TIG Tampa
Immediate Past Chair – Tanya Cielo, Sky Strategic Marketing
Treasurer – Susan Nieland, CFO2U
Treasurer-Elect – Bobby Daniel, United Community
Consulting Attorney – Chris Bentley, Johnson Jackson, PLLC
President & CEO – Kelly Flannery, South Tampa Chamber
Board of Directors
Brian Ramirez, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority
Craig Kuhl, Kuhl Benefits and Insurance
Dean Akers, Adjunct CEO
Elan Melamed, Tampa General Hospital
Jennifer Frazier
Jessica Jaeckel, Perform24 | Keller Williams Realty
Joel Brown, Tampa Electric
Juan Concheiro, Domain Homes
Kristin Davis, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Lisa Demmi, The Small Magic Foundation
Paige Niehaus, Hillsborough College – Dale Mabry Campus
Shae Gee, SG Guardian Home Watch, LLC
The 2026 Board of Directors was unveiled during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on December 3, 2025. Outgoing Chair Tanya Cielo reflected on the accomplishments of the past year, noting, “2025 was a record-setting year for the South Tampa Chamber. We welcomed more than 200 new members, hosted nearly 100 sold-out events, achieved meaningful advocacy wins, and provided critical support to businesses navigating both growth and unexpected challenges. These successes are a direct reflection of the engagement, leadership, and collective commitment of our members, board, and staff.”
Incoming Chair Blake Guthrie shared his vision for the year ahead, stating, “As we look to our next 100 years, our focus remains on strengthening local commerce, advocating for the needs of our business community, and delivering exceptional value and experiences for our members. We are committed to helping businesses of all sizes thrive by connecting them to opportunities, resources, and one another. Through impactful advocacy and meaningful programs and events, our goal is to continue building a strong, resilient, and vibrant South Tampa economy and community.”
About the South Tampa Chamber
Founded in 1926, the South Tampa Chamber is a dynamic organization representing more than 650 businesses, organizations, and individuals dedicated to making South Tampa a premier place to live, work, and do business. The Chamber has earned recognition as a Certified+ Chamber by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, a Three-Star Chamber of Valor by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and was named Chamber of the Year in 2020.
To learn more, visit www.SouthTampaChamber.org