Greater Delray Beach Chamber names incoming board chair and new director

The Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce announced leadership and staff changes on Sept. 29 as it prepares for 2027. The move keeps Andrea Smallwood in the chair role through 2026, names Mark Burns as incoming chair, adds a new board director and brings on a membership director.

Why it matters: - The Chamber is resetting its leadership team ahead of 2027, a change that could shape how it supports local businesses. - The additions are aimed at strengthening board governance, member engagement and Chamber programming.

What happened: - Andrea Smallwood, a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual, will remain chair of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce board through the rest of 2026 and into 2027. - Smallwood took over as chair in April 2026. - Smallwood succeeds Shaun Hall, who will stay on the board. - Mark Burns of BlueIvy Communications has been named incoming board chair and will take over when Smallwood’s term ends. - Jeffrey Fine, director of sales at iTHINK Financial, joined the board as a director. - Justin Balser was hired as membership director, with a focus on member growth, retention and engagement.

The details: - BlueIvy Communications is a South Florida public relations and strategic communications firm and a longtime Chamber partner. - iTHINK Financial is a Delray Beach-based credit union founded in 1969. - iTHINK Financial serves more than 95,000 members. - Stephanie Immelman, president and CEO of the Chamber, said Smallwood has already set a clear direction and that the new leadership additions give the organization strength heading into 2027. - Burns is also leading the Chamber’s new "Chasing AI" series, a quarterly program focused on helping local businesses use artificial intelligence practically. - More information on the series is available through the Chamber calendar.

Between the lines: - The board changes suggest the Chamber is pairing continuity with new outside experience from communications, finance and membership growth. - The new AI series points to an effort to give local firms practical tools, not just networking opportunities. - The Chamber’s leadership message centers on capacity-building as Delray Beach businesses head into 2027.

What's next: - Burns is set to assume the chair role after Smallwood’s term ends. - Balser will take on membership work as the Chamber pushes to grow and retain members. - The Chamber is expected to continue building out programming around business support and technology adoption.

The bottom line: - The Greater Delray Beach Chamber is locking in a smoother leadership transition while expanding board and staff capacity for the next phase of growth.