CEO leaves business organization to become chamber head

SARASOTA — The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce named Heather Kasten CEO. 

Kasten is currently CEO and president of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. A statement from Alliance Board Chairman Heather Williams says Kasten will transition out of her role in February. 

“I am truly humbled and honored to have been a part of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance for the past five years,” says Kasten in the statement. “It is a first-class organization that is doing great things for its members and the region.”

A separate statement from Sarasota Chamber Chairman John LaCivita, meanwhile, says Kasten will start in her new role at the Chamber in early March. Kasten was vice president of membership experience at the Chamber until 2014, when she took a position to oversee the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.

"The team is excited for the future and looks forward to welcoming Heather back to the Chamber family," says LaCivita in the statement. "As your chair of the board, I could not be prouder of the exciting initiatives and growth happening in 2019!" 

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance has begun a search for a new leader

"Heather’s presence at the Alliance will be greatly missed, and we wish her much success in her new endeavors," says Williams in the statement. "The Alliance will continue to benefit from Heather’s significant contributions to our organization for years to come."