Melbourne Regional Chamber of Florida’s Space Coast Announces Selection of Anne Conroy-Baiter as Next President & CEO
The Board of Directors of the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Florida’s Space Coast is pleased to announce its selection of Anne Conroy-Baiter as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. The selection of Ms. Conroy-Baiter is the result of a nationwide, multiphase search process that began in early June with over 100 applicants.
Ms. Conroy-Baiter, a native of western New York and graduate of prestigious Tufts University outside of Boston, has spent the past decade leading Junior Achievement of the Space Coast, a local nonprofit organization that inspires and prepares young people for success with skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workforce readiness. Her prior work experience includes 8 years leading a regional arts council, during which time she founded a federally funded business incubator, as well as several management positions in the marketing field. Ms. Conroy-Baiter is also an accomplished practicing artist and proud mother of three Brevard Public Schools educated daughters (including two graduates now attending the University of Florida). In addition to her professional and personal endeavors, Ms. Conroy-Baiter has contributed to the Space Coast community as a volunteer with numerous organizations, including serving on the Boards of both the Melbourne Regional Chamber and the Economic Development Commission.
Reflecting on this experience and looking forward to her next chapter with the Chamber, Ms. Conroy-Baiter shared the following: “The moment my daughters and I arrived on the Space Coast ten years ago, I fell in love with everything it has to offer—the people, the culture, the beach, the lagoon, and the thriving business community. Every aspect captured my heart and intellect in ways I’ve never experienced before. My career has always been fueled by a mission to enhance and enrich the communities we call home, so my commitment to making the Space Coast even more successful and vibrant as we navigate growth and change is unwavering. Advancing to the Melbourne Regional Chamber is a natural extension of this mission, building on the successes and relationships I’ve cultivated during my time at Junior Achievement. I’m excited and eager to get started with the board and exceptional team.”
Ms. Conroy-Baiter succeeds Michael Ayers, who had a distinguished tenure at the Chamber with many highlights from when he was hired in December 2017 through his departure late last month to join Cim-Tek Filtration, a company founded by his paternal grandfather in central Illinois, as Chief Growth Officer. He and his family will remain Viera residents. A friend to many, Mr. Ayers was an invaluable asset to the Board in the search process and has ensured a smooth leadership transition for the Chamber. Ms. Conroy-Baiter will begin her tenure in the early fall after wrapping up her duties at Junior Achievement as that organization commences a search for its next leader.
Asked to comment on the selection of Ms. Conroy-Baiter as his successor at the Chamber, Mr. Ayers replied: “I am thrilled by the selection of Anne Conroy-Baiter as the new CEO of the Melbourne Regional Chamber. Anne brings a proven track record of organizational leadership, a strong background in advocacy, and an in-depth knowledge of our Space Coast community. She will no doubt lead the organization to new heights.”
Melbourne Regional Chamber Board Chair Mark Boyd shared his perspective on the hire as follows: “I have known and worked with Anne in several capacities over the years and always been impressed by her vision, passion, and intellect. I am confident that these qualities – along with her existing understanding of the Chamber’s operations and mission from her prior Board service, and her deep well of goodwill within the greater community – will allow her to build upon the strong base that Michael and many other staff and volunteer leaders have built in our first nearly hundred years. Anne’s selection to lead the Chamber into its next century via the rigorous search process we have undertaken as an organization is also evidence of our ability to not just attract but retain first-class talent here on Florida’s Space Coast.”
Board Chair-Elect Natasha Spencer added: “Anne is a dynamic, vivacious leader who cares very much about the Space Coast community, ensuring collaborative partnerships are set in motion with anything she touches.”
