The Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce has hired Skip Alford as its next President and CEO, replacing Tricia Brunson, who has led the organization for 30 years and announced her retirement earlier this year.
- Alford will begin his new role Tuesday, Dec. 1, the Chamber announced Thursday. He currently serves as President and CEO of the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Council, a position he has held since 2021.
According to the Chamber, Alford brings more than 18 years of leadership experience with chambers of commerce and business organizations, along with a background in membership development, economic development, workforce partnerships, business advocacy and organizational leadership. The Chamber said he has led initiatives focused on strengthening member value, building strategic partnerships, supporting local businesses and advancing economic and workforce development.
His previous chamber leadership roles include President and CEO of the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce in Georgia, the Greater Palm Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce and the South Dade Chamber of Commerce. He also worked in membership development with the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, which the Chamber said gave him firsthand experience in Northwest Florida’s business and tourism environment.
“We are excited to welcome Skip Alford as the next President & CEO of the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce,” said Cristie Kedroski, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “Skip brings a wealth of Chamber leadership experience, a strong understanding of the business community, and a commitment to building partnerships that create meaningful results. We look forward to working with him as we continue strengthening the Chamber’s value to our members and advancing the economic vitality of the Niceville and Valparaiso communities.”
Alford is a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran and a former instructor at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy. His professional credentials include the Florida Certified Chamber Professional designation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management and the Entrepreneurial Development Professional certification through the International Economic Development Council. He also serves on the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Board of Directors.
Brunson has served as the Chamber’s President and CEO for 30 years. In its announcement, the Chamber credited her leadership and dedication with making a lasting impact on the organization and the communities it serves, and thanked her for her years of service.
“I’m so very thankful for the board’s confidence in me and excited about the opportunity to serve this community,” Alford said. “Tricia has devoted 30 years to this Chamber and the people it serves, and it’s an honor to build on the foundation she has helped establish. I look forward to getting to know our members and working alongside the board and local leaders to support our businesses and strengthen those partnerships. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to giving this community my very best.”
The Chamber said it looks forward to welcoming Alford in December as it begins the next chapter of service to its members and the greater Niceville and Valparaiso communities.
