OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) announced today that Kevin T. Sheilley, CCE, its first CEO, has submitted his resignation after 12 years of dedicated service. Simultaneously, it was revealed that Sheilley has been hired as the new President & CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce in Charleston, South Carolina.

Sheilley joined the CEP shortly after its creation in late 2012, following the merger of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and the Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation. Under his leadership, the organization spearheaded the community’s remarkable economic rebound and received numerous accolades, including being named the national Chamber of the Year in 2020, a finalist for the award in 2017 and 2019, and Florida’s Chamber of the Year in 2018.

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“The Ocala Metro CEP and the communities it serves have been fortunate to thrive under Kevin’s exceptional leadership,” says CEP Board Chair Chris Langley. “He will certainly be missed, and the board wishes him well in this next chapter of his career. The organization as a whole is well-positioned to move forward, and with a strong and capable team in place, they will no doubt experience continued success and even greater achievements ahead.”

The CEP, along with its related entities, leads the community’s efforts in business attraction, business retention, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and business services. The organization played a pivotal role in renewing the Infrastructure Sales Tax and passing the Half-Penny for Schools. Additionally, it established a nationally recognized partnership with Lake County to manage economic development contracts.

Incoming CEP Board Chair Charisse Rivers has appointed a search committee to find Sheilley’s successor. The committee includes herself, three past Board chairs (Doug Cone, Ken Ausley, and Angie Lewis), long-time CEP Board Secretary and past Chamber Chair Dwayne Carlton, and Board Vice Chair Todd Rudnianyn. Doug Cone will chair the committee, which will conduct a national search for the next President & CEO.

Sheilley’s last day with the CEP will be Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. His departure marks the end of an era, but the CEP remains committed to building on the strong foundation he helped establish, ensuring a bright future for Ocala Metro.