Hope Kennedy, a driving force in the realm of business development and advocacy. As the esteemed President/CEO of the North Tampa Bay Chamber, she brings over two decades of unwavering dedication to fostering the growth and prosperity of small businesses and entrepreneurs. With a wealth of experience under her belt, Hope Kennedy is a beacon of leadership, guiding individuals and enterprises toward their full potential in the vibrant landscape of North Tampa Bay.

Hope Kennedy became President/CEO of the North Tampa Bay Chamber in July 2012 and is a Florida Certified Chamber Professional. Under her leadership, the organization has undergone two chamber acquisitions, a name and brand change, and a rigorous certification process. In 2019, the North Tampa Bay Chamber was recognized as Chamber of the Year by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals and was a finalist for National Chamber of the Year in both 2022 and 2023.

Before joining the Wesley Chapel Chamber in 2012, Kennedy served as the Vice President of Membership for the Pensacola Chamber, where she played a key role in recovery efforts following Hurricane Ivan and the BP Oil Spill. She also led successful campaigns to attract Southwest Airlines to Pensacola and has held leadership positions in organizations such as United Way of The Capital Area and the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership.

Kennedy is a recognized leader in the chamber industry, not only for her accomplishments but also for her commitment to mentoring and consulting. She actively mentors chamber executives and consults for other chambers across the region, helping to strengthen and develop business communities beyond North Tampa Bay.

Her contributions have been widely recognized. In 2021, her Chamber received the prestigious Business of Pride Ally recognition from the Tampa Bay Business Journal. She was also named one of Tampa Bay’s most influential businesspeople by Tampa Bay Business Journal in 2017. Additionally, she serves on the Executive Committee for BayCare Hospital-Wesley Chapel and the Workforce Pasco Hernando Board.

Kennedy holds a Business degree from Belhaven University and resides in Tampa with her 17-year-old daughter.