Isabelle Rodriguez chosen as next Chamber President

The St Johns County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors reported to Historic City News this evening that they have voted to remove the “interim” tag from Isabelle Rodriguez’s title, and they have officially selected her to serve as the next President.

Rodriguez ascends to the position after serving nearly four months as the interim president. Former Chamber president, Kirk Wendland, who ended his tenure in December to return to the private sector, originally recommended Rodriguez to serve as the interim president as the committee conducted a nationwide search for his replacement.

“Rodriguez was the best choice,” Victor Raymos, chairman of the Board of Directors, said. “After a long and detailed search process, during which we witnessed the skill and vision with which she led the organization, she was the clear and obvious choice.”

According to Lou Noir-Jones, a selection committee member and board vice chair, they received nearly 200 applications and a large number of applicants had direct chamber or senior executive experience in the private and public sector. “After a comprehensive process and examination of the candidates, including various interview steps, we came to the conclusion that the right choice to lead this organization and our business community would be to name Isabelle Rodriguez as the Chamber President. She has proven herself throughout her tenure at the chamber,” said Noir-Jones.

Isabelle Rodriguez-Jaume first joined the Chamber of Commerce in 1999 and has served in many capacities including senior manager, business expansion & recruitment; vice president of membership services and her most recent role as vice president of operations. Since 2008, Rodriguez has overseen the marketing and communications efforts of the organization, 80% of the organizations budget, and, in 2013, played an integral role during the merger with the former Ponte Vedra Beach Chamber.

“I’m proud to have been selected to lead this organization, its membership and staff,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve spent 14-years of my professional life here and there has never been a better time to be Chamber president. We are and have been headed in the right direction and we are continuing to build momentum.”

Rodriguez told reporters that the Chamber has been on the right path and now she intends to take the chamber to even greater heights. Her agenda is to keep building the Chamber’s capabilities to provide services to the membership and the business community.

“Our focus will remain on promoting our members, providing professional educational opportunities, advocating on behalf of St Johns County business and to assist and recruit companies as they seek to expand in or move to our community,” Rodriguez said.