Orlando, Fla. – The Orlando Economic Partnership (the Partnership) announces the hiring of John F. Davis as the new Executive Vice President of Orlando, Inc., the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, a division of the Partnership focused on serving the growing needs of businesses and entrepreneurs. Davis will manage the strategic and operational goals of the Five-Star Chamber beginning in February.
Davis joins the Partnership after serving as the President of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACCCF) since 2014. There he led the efforts to amplify AACCCF’s mission and fostered success by advocating on behalf of its members, corporate partners and the community at large. He dramatically expanded the Chamber’s membership while also focusing on training and development of business professionals.
“John Davis has a proven track record as a leader in both the public and private sector, and he will help advance the goals of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce,” said Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership. “AACCCF has been a long-time partner of ours and Davis’ leadership will continue to serve as a bridge between both organizations.”
Prior to his role at AACCCF, Davis was the External Affairs Director for Florida’s Department of Children and Families. He was also among the top leadership within the Republican Party of Florida and served as the Deputy Executive Director of Operations, the highest-ranking African American in the history of the State Party, prior to starting his own business and serving as the President of JFD Consulting Group, a political consulting agency.
Early in his career, Davis co-founded ProStyle Training, a fitness company designed to give clients the experience of training like a professional athlete. This endeavor was the product of years on the football field, first as a high school All-American player, and later Florida State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science on a full scholarship.
“Davis’ rich background as an entrepreneur, business executive and community leader provides a solid foundation of skills critical to connecting and building our business community so that it can grow and thrive, ultimately generating jobs and boosting our region’s economic potential,” said Angela Alban, president and CEO of Simetri, Inc. and Chair of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“As the organization charged with leading the efforts to foster economic success for African American-owned businesses and the African American business community in Central Florida, we couldn’t be more proud of Davis’ work to further our mission and vision over the past four years,” said Joyce Odongo, vice president of senior community development at Wells Fargo Bank and Chair of the AACCCF Board of Directors. “We will continue to work with John on initiatives and programs that serve to fulfill our vision for a better future.”
Davis also lends his leadership talents to numerous organizations including CareerSource Central Florida, the Commission on Community Service and Heart of Florida United Way. He also serves on the Chronic Homelessness Committee and is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Florida State University Black Alumni Association and Southside Church of Christ.
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About the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida is a membership organization serving public, private, and not-for-profit African American-owned businesses and organizations in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. The chamber is the principal advocate and preeminent leader in fostering economic success for African American-owned businesses and community in Central Florida. For more information, visit www.blackcommerce.org.