The Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce finalized its shift in leadership in the last week, hiring its new chief executive officer and electing a new board president.

The chamber shared that it chose Scott Czechlewski as its latest CEO on Monday as the successor to Kim Tesoro. Czechlewski, who comes to Orange County from Wilmington, will manage the nonprofit’s staff, programming and advocacy of the local businesses and economic development. Previously, he served as the communications director for Wilmington’s Chamber of Commerce for 15 years and directed its Leadership Wilmington program for three years.

“I’m excited to engage with the business community and area stakeholders to determine where the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber can best provide its support for growing a strong business climate and improving quality of life in the area,” Czechlewski shared in a release. “Shutdowns due to Covid presented a number of significant challenges for the Chamber, and my most-immediate goals will include rebuilding membership to pre-pandemic levels, and reviving former—and introducing new—events, programs and services to meet the needs of our members. I look forward to furthering the mission of the Chamber and increasing our visibility as an advocate for the region.” 

Tesoro is stepping down from a role she’s held since 2017. Monday’s release said she is “transitioning to a limited role in the organization for health reasons” and will be involved in helping prepare Czechlewski for the job. Additionally, the chamber said Tesoro will be focusing her efforts on being a liaison with the local governments and working on policy issues that “strengthen the Chamber’s mission to be the voice of business in the Hillsborough region.”

The previous week, the Hillsborough/Orange County chamber’s board of directors also had a shift in leadership. Raul Herrara, the prior vice president, was elected as the new board president. Over the last decade, he’s served as a member of former Governor Pat McCrory’s Advisory Council on Hispanic and Latino Affairs, the NC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, The Durham Regional Financial Center, Orange High School’s PTSO, Hillsborough Kiwanis, and Farmer’s Foodshare. Herrara primarily works as a a senior loan officer for New American Funding and has more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry.

“2023 will be a year of growth and transition at the Hillsborough Chamber,” he said in a release, “as we re-introduce events and programs that had to be discontinued during the pandemic, as well as launch new offerings for members,” Herrera said. “The Chamber’s visibility in the community will also be a focus area, particularly in areas of governmental affairs and advocacy around building a stronger business climate and addressing quality of life issues in northern Orange County and the surrounding areas. The Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce will provide a strong voice for a pro-business environment to our elected officials and government leaders.”

The local chamber also added four new members to its 15-seat board for 2023: Rodney Clapp of Fidelity Bank, Emilee Collins with West & Woodall Real Estate/Pickett Sprouse Commercial Real Estate, Kelly Davis with the Ballard Agency, and Jessica Nilles of First National Bank.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

 

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Business, Tourism Community Remembers Kim Tesoro
Kim Tesoro, a key figure in Orange County’s tourism and business community, recently died after a battle with cancer and several members of the local business community each found ways to honor her after her passing. The Tesoro family shared news of Kim’s death on July 21, saying she died on July 19 in the […]
On Air Today: Dale Edwards of The News of Orange County
Managing Editor of the News of Orange County Dale Edwards joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Monday, February 7. Edwards shares details on recent stories written about a new venture in a prominent, downtown Hillsborough space, as well as a profile on a bakery that helps young adults get some life experience. Plus: updates on the newspaper's local scientist series and election coverage.
Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber Voices Support of Proposed RTLP Project
Leadership of the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce recently shared its support of a proposed industrial project that has drawn much community attention. CEO of the Chamber Kim Tesoro sent a letter to the Orange County Board of Commissioners on Monday voicing her organization’s interest in the Research Triangle Logistics Park development. She said the […]
Holidays In Hillsborough!
The full rundown of holiday events and happenings in Hillsborough this year.
In Hillsborough: Riverwalk, Police, And The Colonial Inn
Mayor Tom Stevens talks issues.
True Community in a Transient Town
Though I’ve been in the Chapel Hill area for over 25 years, I only began getting involved in the community a few years ago when I attended “Leadership Chapel Hill” through the Chamber of Commerce. I thoroughly enjoyed that class, learned a ton, and met lots of wonderful people. From there I plugged into the […]
Hillsborough: Snow Storm Response, Board of Commissioners Meeting, Development Begins
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, January 27, discussing town news and events. He discussed the current road conditions in Hillsborough, and the town's response to the storm. He also discussed the plan for a meeting of the board of commissioners that was cancelled due to the weather. He also talked about a housing development at Cate's Creek that just broke ground, and more.
Orange County Communities to Observe Martin Luther King Day Jan. 19. Here's How it Affects Services.
The observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19 will affect local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s what residents can expect this year: Town of Chapel Hill Most town offices will be closed Monday. Residential trash normally collected Monday will be collected Wednesday, Jan. 21. Curbside recycling collection will […]
Hillsborough: Oakdale Village Rezone, Utility Work, Cemetery Wall Damaged
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, January 13, discussing town news and events. He talked about the business of the most recent board of commissioners meeting, which saw a rezoning request for Oakdale Village, and more. He also discussed some upcoming utility work that will close a section of Corbin Street, as well as a New  Years Eve automobile accident that saw a cemetery wall damaged on Corbin Street, and more.
Hillsborough Reinstalls Pump Station Infrastructure After Flood Repairs, But Relocation Challenge Remains
Hillsborough crews successfully moved its wastewater pump station off temporary equipment to a permanent pump after repairs from July's storm.
›