iG Pioneer Ann Collett Stays on to Prepare for the Next Phase of iG
GAINESVILLE, FL – The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce today announces key staff changes on its executive team as it prepares the next phase of Innovation Gainesville or iG as it is commonly referred to by community and business leaders. Vice President of Innovation Gainesville Ann Collett is resigning her position with the organization at the end of August to pursue other professional opportunities. She will remain as a consultant with the organization for several months, finishing work on the strategy for the next phase of iG. Joining the staff will be Adrian Taylor, who will take the reins of iG and regional initiatives as the next phase of iG takes shape.
“Adrian will help us transition iG from its grassroots beginnings into an integrated model that will become part of the Chamber’s daily operations,” Giuliani said. “We know from his experience and leadership in the community that he has the right combination of consensus building and entrepreneurial spirit to advance the vision of iG to build an innovation economy in the Gainesville region.”
“Ann’s leadership in the iG effort has produced amazing fruits for our region. We have more jobs, more people working together and a plan for increased economic prosperity. We are very thankful for her contributions – she will be missed,” said Mitch Glaeser, Chairman of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Taylor serves as pastor of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church and currently sits on the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He is an accomplished preacher and gifted business leader who was born and raised in Tampa, FL. Adrian holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Santa Fe College and Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Saint Leo University. His professional career began at IBM Corporation, before moving on to other corporations as a corporate trainer and manager. Adrian’s extensive background in the corporate sector has further equipped him as a transformational change manager capably overseeing Springhill Baptist’s expansion to more than 600 active parishioners.
Collett was a Chamber Board member for many years prior to joining the staff in 2005 as Vice President of the Council for Economic Outreach, overseeing all economic development projects. In 2010, was named Vice President of iG, responsible for all efforts around the community’s Innovation Gainesville plan. “I am excited to start a new chapter. I see so many opportunities here in the community and I look forward to being a part of them in a new way. I am very grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with so many volunteers and such amazing people – I am abundantly blessed,” said Collett.
Prior to working for the Chamber, Collett was the North Central Florida Regional Vice-President and General Manager for ALLTEL Communications.
About the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce
Formed in 1924, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in the Gainesville area. Representing over 1,100 members that employ more than 70,000 employees, the Chamber firmly believes that thriving business builds a thriving community. The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce is 5-star accredited by the United States Chamber of Commerce, putting it in the top 1% of all Chambers nationwide. Learn more at www.GainesvilleChamber.com or call us at 352.334.7100