Derrell Hartwick Named President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce

Experienced Chamber Executive and Economic Development Leader Selected to Lead Broward County’s Largest and Oldest Business Organization

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, UNITED STATES, October 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Following a national search, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce today announced the appointment of Derrell Hartwick as its next President & Chief Executive Officer.

Hartwick brings extensive experience in chamber leadership, economic development, membership growth and business advocacy. He currently serves as President & CEO of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce in Arkansas and previously led the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce in Idaho.

“Derrell brings the energy, experience and relationship-driven leadership we believe will serve our members and our region exceptionally well,” said Janna Lhota, Partner at Holland & Knight and Chair of the Board of Directors. “We have a strong organization, an engaged membership and tremendous opportunity ahead. Derrell’s appointment positions us to expand our impact and lead the Chamber into its next chapter.”

Hartwick was recommended by the Chamber’s CEO Search Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.

“Our Search Committee approached this process with a clear understanding of the importance of this role to both the Chamber and the broader business community,” said Kelly Kolb, Partner at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, Chair-Elect of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Search Committee. “We were looking for a leader who could build on more than a century of Chamber history while positioning the organization for continued growth and impact. Derrell distinguished himself through his proven chamber leadership, measurable results and ability to build strong relationships across business, government and community stakeholders.”

A Proven Chamber Leader

A native of North Little Rock, Hartwick grew up around chamber leadership, sparking his early interest in civic leadership and economic development.
Hartwick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Arkansas, where he played football for the Razorbacks.
At the North Little Rock Chamber, Hartwick oversees operations, staff, financial performance, membership and economic development activities. Under his leadership, membership increased 23 percent, from approximately 1,100 to more than 1,350 members, while revenue grew from approximately $850,000 to $1.3 million through expanded non-dues revenue.

Previously, Hartwick served as President & CEO of the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, where he led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and increased revenue from approximately $700,000 to $1 million. Earlier, he served with the Little Rock Regional Chamber, ultimately becoming Director of Sales and managing a $1.5 million membership budget.

“I am honored to have been selected to lead the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce,” said Hartwick. “This is an extraordinary business community with tremendous momentum, diversity and opportunity. I look forward to listening to and learning from our members, Board, staff and community partners while building the relationships necessary to advance the Chamber’s mission. Together, we can strengthen member value, champion our business community and help shape Greater Fort Lauderdale’s next chapter of economic growth.”

Leading the Chamber Forward

As President & CEO, Hartwick will oversee Chamber operations and staff, work with the Board of Directors to advance strategic priorities and serve as a leading voice for the Greater Fort Lauderdale business community.

His initial priorities will include building relationships with members and community partners, strengthening regional collaboration, evaluating organizational needs and engaging stakeholders to help shape the Chamber’s future direction. The Chamber will announce details in the coming weeks for a series of member welcome receptions, providing the community with direct opportunities to engage with Hartwick.

Hartwick will officially take the helm on October 26, 2026, ready to lead Broward County’s oldest business organization into a new era of growth and impact.

About the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1910, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce is Broward County’s largest and oldest business organization. Representing nearly 1,000 businesses, the Chamber develops and connects partners for economic growth through business advocacy, leadership development, member engagement, workforce initiatives, economic development and regional collaboration.

Ty Richardson
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
+1 703-622-8167