CHAMBER PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Rebekah Arthur, IOM, FCCP
President & CEO
In January 2023, Rebekah Arthur was named the chamber's president and CEO, overseeing all aspects of operations of the Seminole County Chamber.
Prior to that, she served as the chamber's executive vice president, overseeing the day-to-day operations and as the vice president of programming, overseeing chamber initiatives outside of membership.
Since she joined the chamber in 2014, she has overseen the growth of the chamber’s signature events, growing revenue, attendance and prestige for Riverside Dash, State of the County, Seminole Business Awards and much more.
In 2022 Rebekah graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s four-year program, the Institute for Organizational Management. The Orlando Business Journal also recognized her as part of the 2022 40 Under 40 Class.
Rebekah’s efforts have also been recognized by two national organizations. The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives named her social media ambassador program for Riverside Dash as one of the best in the country. Then, Chamber Power Tip featured Rebekah when talking about the “I’m Here” program she developed with Kristina Peacock.
Rebekah has always given back to the community. She currently sits on the board of directors of Business Force, Florida Association of Chamber Professionals and Leadership Seminole. She is a past board member of the Casselberry Chamber of Commerce, serving as the second vice president of the board.
Also, through her church, she has participated in mission trips to places like Jamaica and Costa Rica. She’s volunteered at Frontline Rescue and Pet Rescue by Judy. She has also fostered dogs who need homes.
In her personal time, Rebekah spends time with her husband, Jason, and their daughter Christine. The three are often found on the boat enjoying Florida’s waterways.
Rebekah can be reached at 407-708-4604 or via email.
Sheryl Nichols, Ed.D.
Vice President of Operations
Dr. Sheryl Nichols joined the Chamber in July 2024 as Vice President of Operations, overseeing daily operations and staff management. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, specializing in organizational development and compliance, Dr. Nichols is poised to make a significant impact in our community.
She holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Psychology and an Education Specialist degree from Regent University, along with a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Business Economics.
Before joining the Chamber, Dr. Nichols served as Associate Vice President and Title IX Compliance Coordinator, where she provided strategic direction to multiple administrative units, ensuring compliance and fostering a supportive environment for students and staff. Her background includes program development, recruitment, retention, and enhancing institutional effectiveness.
A veteran of the Army Reserve, Dr. Nichols is married to US Army Veteran Marcus Nichols. Together, they actively volunteer in their church and with various nonprofit organizations, including the American Red Cross, Special Olympics, and Lake Cares Food Pantry. They also enjoy spending time with family, friends and their Boston Terrier, Jazz.
Dr. Nichols is passionate about using her expertise to support local businesses and educational initiatives in Seminole County, contributing to our mission of fostering growth and collaboration in the community!
Sheryl can be reached at 407-708-4605 or via email.
Erin Eble
Director of Events
Erin stands as a seasoned live event professional, boasting over 17 years of expertise within the industry. Having cultivated a strong foundation in high-volume concerts and venues, Erin has collaborated directly with Elite Talent and some of the top-tier production teams.
Her dynamic approach to the live event industry is characterized by a commitment to pushing boundaries and enhancing the overall event experience. Now entering a new phase, Erin is set to make a significant impact in the Chambers of Commerce industry.
Drawing on her diverse experiences from various venues across the country, she aims to contribute to the collaborative and social fabric of this field. Erin's creative vision not only paves the way for a promising journey but also positions her to become an asset to her local community and Chamber members.
In each undertaking, Erin strives to craft an evocative and innovative narrative, inviting members to immerse themselves in the profound intersection of creativity and community engagement.
Erin leads a vibrant life beyond her professional commitments, delighting in the company of friends and family, that is filled with lively social gatherings, creative side projects, and relaxing by the pool.
Erin can be reached at 407-708-4613 or via email.
John Cooney
Membership Consultant
John joined the Chamber in July 2023 as a membership consultant with a unique background.
While earning his master’s degree in international politics, John served as an intern with the U.S. State Department’s Mission to the United Nations. He then carved out a career as a community engagement specialist at EUE/Screen Gems, Ltd., his family’s television and motion picture film studios. John’s varied skill set was utilized in government, public, and media relations, speech writing, and communications. It was also here that he developed a passion for philanthropy, helping to find funds and friends in support of his family’s charitable endeavors and partnerships with numerous nonprofits.
A student of history, John loves diving deep into the archives and is the family’s genealogist. Through his research, he has traced his direct line of descent from six Mayflower passengers. Yet despite this Pilgrim DNA, he’s been reliably informed that he cannot competently carve a Thanksgiving turkey.
John is married to Janelle, his North Star and an incredible clinical nurse education manager with AdventHealth. They are blessed with three amazing daughters.
John can be reached at (407) 708-4608 or via email.
Paulina Seminara
Event Coordinator
Paulina Seminara joined the chamber in April of 2024 as an Events Coordinator, bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role.
Paulina earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. She has honed her skills in various events from weddings to service-related functions. During her internship at the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, she gained valuable insights into the tourism and events industry.
After college, Paulina moved back home to be closer to her family, a decision that underscores her commitment to loved ones. In her free time, she enjoys going to Disney, baking cookies, and relaxing at the beach.
This role perfectly combines Paulina’s passion for events with her back background in public relations, allowing her to create memorable and impactful experiences.
Paulina can be reached at (407) 708-4602 or via email.
Donna Bardaro
Administrative Assistant
Donna Bardaro joined the Chamber of Commerce on April 2023 as the Administrative Assistant. Donna has called Seminole County home for over two decades.
Without a doubt, Donna's 20-plus years of experience as a title insurance manager for a title company has sharpened her office management skills. During that time, she oversaw and managed title insurance operations. In addition, she counts on exceptional customer service, a skill required and transferable for her new role, where she will be greeting our Chamber members.
Donna has three daughters and is called "Grandma" by six grandchildren. Bardaro and her family have lived in the Lake Mary area since 1988. She looks forward to building new relationships within the Chamber while enjoying this new adventure and role.
Donna can be reached at 407-708-4606 or via email.
Pam Czopp
Membership Consultant
Pam Czopp started working with the Seminole County Chamber in October 2018 as a membership consultant, but her ties to Seminole County run deep.
She’s been one of the chamber’s most active members, serving on the Board of Directors and the executive committee. She co-chaired and implemented the start-up of the Altamonte Council, the River Council and the Growth and Engagement Committee, all while volunteering as an Ambassador.
During that time, Czopp worked as an account executive for Lake Mary Life Publications. There, she implemented individualized marketing plans and formulated an approach of imagination and unique presentation for each targeted group and established rapport through networking, professionalism and reputation.
Many people know Pam through her leadership of the Sanford Chamber of Commerce, where she served as executive director for five years. During that time, she Increased membership and revenue during the most difficult of economic times from under 300 to over 500 members. In addition, she added premium membership levels from $1800 to $5000 for the first time in the Chamber’s history, to a total of 9 partners.
Prior to that, she was an entrepreneur, owning and operating a special events company for nine years with sales volume exceeding $300,000. She also implemented the start-up of Ladies Fitness Club for six years resulting in sales to over 300 clients through marketing, networking, referral programs and customer rapport in a very competitive market.
Previous experience included positions as convention sales manager and more than 20 years in human resources for multinational corporations such as Johnson & Johnson and L’Oreal & Lancome.
Pam can be reached at 407-325-7444 or via email.
Neota Genske
Finance/Accounting
Neota Genske, MBA, handles outsourced finance and accounting services for the chamber, a role she has held since 2021 as the owner of Genske & Co. Accounting.
She is an award-winning businesswoman, philanthropist and speaker. She inspires and empowers clients, associates and audiences to ignite their passion and pursue greatness.
Ms. Genske founded Genske & Co., an accounting and HR firm, based in Orlando, Florida. Genske & Co. is a woman-owned, women-operated firm that focuses on the individual needs, tribulations and successes of companies and organizations. In 2022 Genske & Co. won Seminole County’s Best Small Business of the Year and in January 2023 won Best Woman-Owned Business of Central Florida. In February 2023 Ms. Genske won the Orlando Business Journal’s prestigious 40 Under 40 award.
From 2004 – 2012 Ms. Genske worked in accounting and finance for major nonprofits and publicly traded companies while rising through the ranks of corporate America, ultimately reaching VP, Finance at an international nonprofit.
In 2013 Ms. Genske decided to open Genske & Co. to make her own dreams and dream life become a reality. She became the definition of a hustler entrepreneur with a failure is not an option attitude.
In 2021 Ms. Genske began speaking at national, regional, and local events. She speaks on tenacity, perseverance, and entrepreneurship. She also speaks at chambers and membership organizations on industry changes and thought leadership pertaining to accounting and HR.
You can reach her via email or at 321-926-3872
Alan Byrd
Communications/Marketing
Alan Byrd handles outsourced communications and marketing for the chamber, a role he has held since 2010 as the owner of Alan Byrd & Associates. He is also a former board member and chair of both the communications and issues committees.
For more than a decade, Alan Byrd worked for Orlando Business Journal and covered tourism, transportation and sports business - one of the first reporters in the country to cover the business side of sports. As a reporter, he won dozens of local, state, regional and national awards for his stories.His work also included writing for Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal as its Central Florida correspondent.
In 2001, Alan was named director of marketing for Orlando Business Journal, where he oversaw the newspaper’s events and its growth in circulation. In 2004, the company gave Alan its highest honor, an Eagle Award for Circulation Excellence.
In 2004, Alan Byrd authored his first book, Florida Spring Training: Your Guide to Touring the Grapefruit League. The nationally published book features travel tips and fan-friendly details of every spring training facility in Florida. The book was featured in many major magazines and newspapers, including Money, Newsweek, USAirways Attache, The Boston Globe and the Houston Chronicle.
In 2006, one of Alan’s good friends, Michael Waldrop, was called to duty by his country. At the time, Alan and Michael were studying The Purpose Driven Life, and God put it on Alan’s heart to join McCree to handle all sales, marketing and public relations.
Finally, in 2009, Alan formed Alan Byrd & Associates, a public relations and marketing firm, specializing in telling the story of small and medium businesses, non-profit organizations and political figures. The company has worked with dozens of high-profile clients, including Congressman John Mica, the Seminole County Chamber and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Alan can be reached at 407-415-8470 or via email.