Siesta Chamber's new leader shares insights

Although she has spent most of her career in Ohio, Debra Lynn-Schmitz has been coming to Siesta Key for vacation for most of her life. The 27-year veteran of the Medina Chamber of Commerce — including 19 years as executive director — says she has been waiting for an opening at the Siesta Key Chamber for “many years,” so, when she learned in December that the Siesta Chamber was looking for a new executive director, she immediately submitted her resume.

“I knew it would be an exciting and challenging opportunity,” Lynn-Schmitz, 57, said.

The Siesta Key Chamber announced March 1 that Lynn-Schmitz would be stepping in as executive director, following in the footsteps of Kevin Cooper, who left the Siesta Chamber after two years as executive director. Cooper is now the vice president for public policy and Sarasota Tomorrow initiatives for the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Lynn-Schmitz’s first day of work was March 3. One week later, Lynn-Schmitz discussed with the Sarasota Observer her impression of the many hot topics facing the Key and her vision of the future for the area’s top tourism draw. The following are edited excerpts of the conversation.

What swayed you to take this job and move to Siesta Key? 
Actually, I started my chamber career with the Sarasota Chamber in 1985, selling memberships for a few months after leaving the phone company in Ohio. As much as my husband and I wanted to stay then, we needed to return to Ohio for his work. I have always been an ambassador for Siesta Key and felt as though this should be my home. I was ready for some new challenges and couldn't pass up this opportunity when it came along. I have to admit the weather in Ohio this past winter helped me make the final decision.
 
What do you see as the chamber's role on the Key?
The Siesta Key Chamber has its own unique role in the community. Each chamber of commerce is slightly different, but, fundamentally, the chamber represents business. The chamber is the voice of business for the island and our members everywhere.  

There are a number of other organizations on Siesta Key and each one plays a vital role in the quality of life and visitor experiences.

Is there any aspect of the chamber's role or responsibilities that you'd like to change?  
Initially, I need to determine why things are done the way they are and explore the possibilities, challenges and opportunities. I know the chamber has been active in a number of important issues over the years, and that will continue. The volunteers who serve on the board of directors will ultimately determine the role and responsibilities of the organization. I will contribute my experience and share my insight and, together, we will establish the direction for the chamber.

What are your priorities as executive director?
Right now my priority is to learn as much as possible. After I have a grasp of what is important to our members and the community I will be able to focus on specific topics and priorities.

What do you think are the hot topics on Siesta at the moment?
I’ve been introduced to several hot topics including the dredging, outdoor displays, noise complaints, paddleboarding, low-speed vehicles and the trolley.

I hope to have a better understanding of long-term consequences of any of the options, how local leaders and organizations perceive these issues and research the facts. All of them are relevant to our businesses, and it is important I am well informed on the consequences of any decisions. Over the next few months I hope to understand the issues more thoroughly and gauge the impact of each of them on our members and the community.

Is Siesta Key’s economy on the right track?
It appears that tourism is healthy on the Key and we’ve had an increase in visitors. Growth and high demand brings its own set of challenges, and I’m looking forward to the conversations that will focus on finding solutions.

When you drive through the Siesta Key Beach parking lot you will see license plates from all over America. We were recently told that tourism development taxes are up more than 10% from January 2013. Obviously, the condition of Siesta Key Beach is critical to our members and community.
Anything that improves the beach conditions will contribute to the great success Siesta Key has already achieved. I worked on a number of projects back in Ohio and completely understand that construction is a difficult process when it impacts infrastructure and transportation. This is a tremendous investment in our Key, and I appreciate the input our businesses and residents have had on the project. I also appreciate that the county has been willing to hear the concerns and priorities and has responded positively.

Age: 57

Hometown: Columbus and Toledo, Ohio

Last stop before Siesta Key: Executive director/CEO of the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce, in Ohio

Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron, Ohio, in business and organization communications; graduate degree from the University of Phoenix in organization management

Family: Husband, Tim; stepson, Tim, who is currently an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard; two granddaughters

Contact Nolan Peterson at [email protected]