Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Names New Director of Government Affairs

January 17, 2025 | Sarasota

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce (GSCC) team and Board of Directors are excited to announce the appointment of Marlon Brown, as its new Director of Government Affairs, effective January 17th. The organization’s action comes with the fullest confidence that Brown will be an excellent steward of the Chamber’s mission, a leader and advocate for our region.

Brown had served as the City Manager for Sarasota since January of 2021, and prior to that as Deputy City Manager for over 11 years. His achievements over the 15+ years of his service to the city of Sarasota are impressive and parlay perfectly to continue his policy work representing the 1,450+ members of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Brown’s work will be to advance the legislative agenda of the chamber, focusing on issues that are of most importance to business owners such as, affordable housing, talent and workforce issues, lack of childcare options for working parents, smart economic development, transportation and water quality. “His regional experience in working with both city, county and state Government, as well as his work with many community organizations, makes him a solid fit for this role. We are thrilled and honored to have him join our team,” explains Heather Kasten, President/CEO for the Sarasota Chamber.

Marlon Brown shares, “I am joining an organization that I consider one of the best of the best in the state of Florida, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, especially at a time when public policy decisions have become critical to the success (or failure) of Sarasota’s vibrant business sector and are specifically impactful to our small business sector that do not necessarily have the resources to represent their interests. Secondly, I am excited and ready to fully embrace this new challenge and to begin my next chapter as the Chamber’s new Director of Government Affairs.”

Chairman of the board, Joe Hembree adds, “Marlon’s expertise and passion for community building enable him to champion our public policy and governance initiatives. We’re confident his leadership will not only amplify our advocacy efforts but also translate into tangible improvements in Sarasota’s quality of life. “