The Lakeland Chamber is pleased to announce the hiring of 2 new employees and new roles for 2 existing employees.
Sarah Breed, formerly the Director of Initiatives, has taken on the new role of Chief Operating Officer. This role includes overseeing human resources and Chamber operations, organizing various events and programs, and serving as the Program Director for Leadership Lakeland. Sarah is the Chamber liaison for EMERGE Lakeland and the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association, and she is a graduate of Leadership Lakeland Class 34, Leadership Polk Class 12, and EMERGE Serves Class 7. In addition, she is a member of The Lakeland Rotary Club (current Board member and District 6890 Speech Contest Chair) and is a community organizer for 1 Million Cups Lakeland. Sarah has previously served on a variety of boards and committees, including the Polk Vision Talent Pipeline Team/CFDC Education Committee and the Homeless Coalition of Polk County’s Continuum of Care Governance Board. Sarah received her Masters of Business Administration (Executive Leadership Track) from Southeastern University in 2019, is DiSC® certified, and is a recipient of the 2019 Polk Emerging Leader Award.
Amber Aaron, formerly the Director of Programs and Events, has taken on the new role of Vice President of Investor Relations & Finance. She will be handling all internal financials, board of directors relations and initiating sponsorship sales through the Chamber’s Total Resource Campaign. She has been a Chamber Professional for 15 years beginning her career with The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce and was part of the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Management team from 2010-2013. Amber’s Chamber career began when she was hired as an Information Specialist, at just 17 years old. From there, she has held many roles in Chamber event planning, programming, administration, retention and sales.
Monica Manjarres has been hired as the new Executive Assistant reporting to both Sarah Breed and Amber Aaron. Originally from the state of New Jersey, Monica found herself moving to Lakeland at age 10 when her parents decided the harsh winters were just too much. Though the tropical climate took some getting used to, it didn’t take long for her and her three brothers to feel at home within the charming small town that is Lakeland. Seven years flew by and suddenly she was walking across the stage at the RP Funding Center, where she and her siblings all graduated from High School with their A.A. Degree as well, thanks to the Dual Enrollment program at Lakeland Collegiate High School. Florida Southern College then became her new home, where she grew up, formed new friendships, and ultimately received her B.S. in Advertising and Public Relations. In her free time, Monica enjoys artsy D.I.Y. projects, card games, trying new cooking recipes, as well as checking out fun events and cool businesses Lakeland has to offer.
Christina Hall has been hired as the new Administrative Assistant and will be handling the front desk as well as Convention and Tourism assistance. After graduating High school in Colorado Springs Co. Christina moved to West Palm Beach working for Palm Beach Real Estate & running 3 of her own companies. She comes from an active military family; which gave her the opportunity to see many beautiful states. Christina has 3 beautiful children, 2 in College & one in High school. She moved back to Florida after many years living in Dartmouth, Ma. and instantly fell in love with Lakeland & the historic district after living in Dixieland. She is excited to be a part of this community & all it has to offer.