Fort Myers chamber names new president, CEO

Robert Goltz, who has 25 years of experience in chamber of commerces and economic development organizations, has been named president and CEO Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.

Goltz replaces Brian Hamman, a Lee County commissioner, who had been CEO of the chamber for a little over a year before he resigned in August. 

Chamber Board Chair Jay Johnson, owner of Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon in Cape Coral, had been interim CEO. Johnson will continue to serve in that role until Goltz’s official start date of Dec. 18, according to a statement. 

“Robert came highly recommended by respected peers across the chamber of commerce industry, and his extensive background in chamber leadership is incredibly impressive,” Johnson says in the release. “We know his expertise will be vital in continuing the momentum of our chamber as we strive to deliver significant value to our members.”

Goltz held various leadership positions in chambers in Michigan, New Jersey and Florida. Most recently, he was executive vice president of the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce. Prior to that, he was president and CEO of the Miramar Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce, between Miami and Florida. In 2018, Goltz, the release states, received the Executive of the Year Award from the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals.

“I am thrilled to take on the important role of president and CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce,” Goltz says in the release. “Having served as an executive for several chambers since 1999, I am proud of my track record in facilitating growth and increasing financial stability for the organizations I’ve led. I look forward to ingraining myself in the community and collaborating with the board of directors, volunteers and members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce in empowering businesses, professionals and the community as a whole."

The CEO announcement follows another Southwest Florida chamber CEO announcement: Late last month Kristina Park, who held executive posts at chambers of commerce in Pinellas County, was named president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.