The Milton Chamber of Commerce and Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce have announced a temporary joint-leadership agreement.
Under the agreement, Melanie Frazer, the President and CEO of the Halton Hills Chamber, will also serve as Interim President and CEO of the Milton Chamber, providing executive leadership support while continuing in her existing role. This comes while Milton Chamber CEO Bianca Caramento is on parental leave.
Frazer will work with the Milton Chamber’s board of directors, staff, members and community stakeholders to maintain operations and advance the organization’s priorities during the six-month term.
Tanya Vakil Fernandes, Chair of the Milton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, says the partnership will provide experienced leadership and stability during the extended leave.
“We are very pleased to welcome Melanie to the Milton Chamber team and are grateful to the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce for their willingness to work with us on this arrangement,” notes Vakil Fernandes. “This partnership provides experienced leadership and stability during an extended parental leave, allowing our staff and Board to remain focused on serving our members and supporting Milton’s business community. It’s a creative solution that reflects the strength of collaboration within the Chamber network.”
Peter Sproule, Chair of the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, says the agreement demonstrates how neighbouring chambers can work together while maintaining their individual identities.
“Our two Chambers represent distinct communities, but we share many of the same priorities, challenges and opportunities,” adds Sproule. “Our Board is pleased to support this agreement and recognizes the value of Chambers working together in new ways. We’re confident this arrangement will benefit both organizations while ensuring the Halton Hills Chamber continues to deliver the leadership and service our members expect.”
Frazer brings experience in chamber leadership, business advocacy, organizational management and community engagement to the interim position.
“I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to work with the Milton Chamber’s Board, staff and business community,” says Frazer. “Milton has an engaged and dynamic business community, and I’m looking forward to getting to know its members, building relationships and supporting the great work already underway.”
Frazer also acknowledged Todd Letts, who has provided interim executive leadership to the Milton Chamber over the past seven months.
Letts welcomed the agreement, describing it as an approach that prioritizes the needs of the organization and its members.
“This is a thoughtful and innovative approach that puts the needs of the Chamber, its staff and its members first,” says Letts. “Melanie understands the Chamber network, the importance of strong relationships and the realities of leading a member-based organization. I’m confident she will provide the continuity and support needed during this period, and that the Milton Chamber is in very capable hands.”
Despite the shared leadership arrangement, both chambers will continue operating as independent organizations, each retaining its own board of directors, membership, programs and community priorities.
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