Ann Collett Steps Down from iG, Chamber Names Adrian Taylor in Place

The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce announced on Thursday that Vice President of Innovation Gainesville Ann Collett is resigning her position with the organization at the end of August to pursue other professional opportunities.  She will remain as a consultant with the organization for several months, finishing work on the strategy for the next phase of iG. 

Joining the staff will be Adrian Taylor, who will take the reins of iG and regional initiatives as the next phase of iG takes shape.

“Adrian will help us transition iG from its grassroots beginnings into an integrated model that will become part of the Chamber’s daily operations,” Giuliani said.

Taylor, who serves as pastor of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, currently serves on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Adrian holds an associate’s degree in business administration from Santa Fe College and bachelor’s in business administration from Saint Leo University. His professional career began at IBM Corporation, before moving on to other corporations as a corporate trainer and manager.

“Ann’s leadership in the iG effort has produced amazing benefits for our region,” said Mitch Glaeser, Chairman of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “We have more jobs, more people working together and a plan for increased economic prosperity. Most will remember her for her contributions to the iG initiative, but more than being remembered – she will be missed.” 

Collett was a Chamber Board member for many years prior to joining the staff in 2005 as Vice President of the Council for Economic Outreach, overseeing all economic development projects.  In 2010, she was named Vice President of iG, responsible for all efforts around the community’s Innovation Gainesville plan. She has served on various boards and committees in the community, including American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County and Gainesville Area Innovation Network (GAIN).

“The whole thing was a highlight,” she said. “To be on the front lines of an initiative that has transformed a community has been a blessing and a privilege.”

The greatest product of the initiative, its cornerstone, she said, was the way it brought together the entire community — city, county, schools, businesses, individuals — on one issue.

Collett’s parting agreement allows her the time to finish her work on iG’s next strategic initiative while searching for her next opportunity.

“I knew it was time for a fresh start,” she said. “I want to experience iG from the other side.”

 

 

 

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