The Cecil County Chamber is led by a 14-member volunteer Board of Directors. The day-to-day work of the Chamber is managed by Chamber Staff. For a complete list of Board and Staff members please click the Board & Staff link to the left.

History

In the 1920s, Chambers of Commerce were established to serve as economic development entities, helping businesses grow, supporting an educated workforce, establishing practices for workforce development, and steering legislation that was business friendly.
 

The Cecil County Chamber of Commerce began as a subsidiary of the New Castle County Chamber in Delaware. It was formed primarily as an outlet for the New Castle Chamber’s insurance sales program in Maryland. 
 

In 1987, the Board of Directors of the Cecil County Chamber voted to declare independence from the New Castle Chamber, and a part time Executive Director was hired.  On January 1, 1988, the Cecil County Chamber became a completely autonomous entity. 
 

Through the efforts of several influential Cecil County citizens, a capital campaign was organized.  Approximately $30,000 was donated by local government and businesses.  These monies, along with the charter members’ initial dues investments, enabled the Chamber to survive for the first couple of years, while becoming established and developing its own programs and fundraising activities. 
 

Today the membership is served by a 11-member volunteer Board of Directors, and two full time employees.
 

Cecil County’s local business community has needs and interests similar to those who were served by the very first chambers of commerce nearly a century ago.  The Board, staff and volunteers of the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce are committed to meeting those needs and helping our member businesses grow and prosper.

Past Presidents & Board Chairs

The Cecil County Chamber of Commerce owes its success to the extraordinary leadership of the following individuals.  Thank you for your service to our community and to our organization.

Presidents

James E. Waters - 1988

David Thomey - 1989-1990 (two terms)

Dennis Clower - 1991

Bruce Fink - 1992

Connie Barker - 1993

Joyce Bowlsbey - 1994

Mark Smith, Jr. - 1995

Christine Valuckas - 1996

Dwight Thomey - 1997

Bud Felty - 1998

William Hart, Jr. - 1999

Jim Brady - 2000

Deborah Carter - 2001-2003 (two terms)

Stewart Lee - 2004

Linda Read - 2005

Dan Schneckenburger - 2006

Frank Williams IV - 2007

Al Miller - 2008

Renee Quietmeyer - 2009

Brian Byers - 2010

John Betts - 2011

Bob Palsgrove - 2012

Teen Vebares - 2013

Board Chairs

Jeanne Parry - 2014

Linda Burris - 2015

Joseph DiNunzio - 2016

Jake Ruddy - 2017

Jack Schammel - 2018

Jason Lim - 2019

John Hassiepen - 2020

Beth Creek - 2021

Sharon Pelham - 2022

Josh Huegel- 2022