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African American Chamber of Commerce Appoints New Executive Director
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Orlando, FL (4/03/08) -Robert M. Spooney, Th.D. has been appointed by the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida as the organization’s new Executive Director. Effective March 17, 2008, Dr. Spooney’s leadership role includes managing administration and recruitment for the Chamber, as well as helping design and implement strategic plans in collaboration with the Board of Governors. Dr. Spooney succeeds Lonnie C. Bell, appointed earlier this month by Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty to direct the operations of the Orange County Government Business Development Division.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Dr. Spooney served as President and CEO of Robert M. Spooney and Associates. He has held key senior sales management positions at Keystone Security Service, National Answering Service Inc., e.spire Communications, G&K Services Inc., Communication Service Centers of Margate, Florida, and BellSouth Business Systems. While at Bellsouth, Dr. Spooney served in a variety of management positions in Orlando, FL., Jacksonville, FL., Atlanta, GA., Charlotte, NC., and Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dr. Spooney was the first African-American to receive the coveted BellSouth President Award for outstanding sales management achievement and he is a seven time member of BellSouth’s President’s Club. An Orlando native and graduate of Jones High School, Spooney received a Bachelor of Science Degree in History and Education from Florida A&M University. He also holds a Masters Degree from Logos Bible College and Graduate School and a Doctorate of Theology from Slidell Baptist Seminary. Dr. Spooney is also a graduate of the Summer Leadership Institute of Harvard Divinity School. His other endeavors include a background in adult education for the Broward County School District and Vice President of Sales for Financial Freedom Christian Counseling Services, Inc. Dr. Spooney is a member of the African American Council of Christian Clergy, the Winter Haven Ministerial Alliance, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and 100 Black Men of Orlando.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Spooney as the senior executive of the Chamber,” notes Ronald O. Rogers, Board Chairman. “His training as a team builder and motivator will give us the advantage needed to effectively continue our mission of providing resources to better shape the business environment of our community”

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida is an advocate and resource for fostering economic success and empowering Central Florida businesses. For additional information about the Chamber, please call 407.420.4870, or visit the Chamber online at www.blackcommerce.org.

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