Derrell Hartwick to lead Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce has named Derrell Hartwick as its next president and CEO after a national search. He takes over Oct. 26 with a mandate to grow membership, strengthen regional partnerships and guide Broward County’s largest and oldest business group into its next phase.

Why it matters: - The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce is Broward County’s largest and oldest business organization, with nearly 1,000 business members. - Hartwick’s arrival is intended to expand the Chamber’s impact, strengthen member value and support economic growth across Greater Fort Lauderdale. - The leadership change comes as the Chamber looks to deepen regional collaboration and shape its next chapter.

What happened: - The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce named Derrell Hartwick as its next President and CEO following a national search. - Hartwick currently leads the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce in Arkansas. - Hartwick previously led the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce in Idaho. - Hartwick will officially take the helm on October 26, 2026. - The Chamber said Hartwick was recommended by its CEO Search Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.

The details: - Hartwick will oversee Chamber operations and staff and work with the Board of Directors on strategic priorities. - Hartwick’s initial priorities include building relationships with members and community partners. - Hartwick will also focus on strengthening regional collaboration, evaluating organizational needs and engaging stakeholders. - The Chamber plans to announce member welcome receptions in the coming weeks. - Hartwick is a native of North Little Rock. - Hartwick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Arkansas. - Hartwick played football for the Arkansas Razorbacks. - At the North Little Rock Chamber, Hartwick oversees operations, staff, financial performance, membership and economic development activities. - Under Hartwick’s leadership, membership at the North Little Rock Chamber grew 23% from about 1,100 to more than 1,350. - Revenue at the North Little Rock Chamber rose from about $850,000 to $1.3 million through expanded non-dues revenue. - At the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, Hartwick led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. - Revenue at the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber increased from about $700,000 to $1 million during his tenure. - Earlier in his career, Hartwick worked at the Little Rock Regional Chamber and became director of sales. - Hartwick managed a $1.5 million membership budget in that role. - Janna Lhota, chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, said Hartwick brings energy, experience and relationship-driven leadership. - Kelly Kolb, chair-elect of the board and chair of the search committee, said Hartwick stood out for proven chamber leadership, measurable results and relationship-building across business, government and community stakeholders. - Hartwick said he looks forward to listening to and learning from members, the board, staff and community partners. - Hartwick also said he wants to strengthen member value, champion the business community and help shape Greater Fort Lauderdale’s next chapter of economic growth.

Between the lines: - The Chamber is choosing a leader with a track record in membership growth and revenue expansion, suggesting a focus on organizational scale and financial strength. - The emphasis on regional collaboration points to a broader role for the Chamber beyond traditional membership services. - Hartwick’s background in chamber work and economic development suggests the board wanted an operator who can balance advocacy, partnerships and growth.

What's next: - Hartwick will spend his early weeks building relationships with members, community partners and stakeholders. - The Chamber will release details for member welcome receptions in the coming weeks. - The Chamber expects Hartwick to guide the organization into a new era of growth and impact once he starts on Oct. 26.

The bottom line: - Greater Fort Lauderdale is bringing in a seasoned chamber executive with a record of growth, revenue gains and stakeholder relationships to lead one of Broward County’s most important business institutions.