Our Team
Meet the Faces Behind the Mission
Each member of our team brings unique skills and a deep commitment to serving our members. From cultivating strategic partnerships to championing workforce development, we are dedicated to supporting your growth and success.
Whether you’re looking for guidance, resources, or opportunities, we’re here to connect, support, and promote. Learn more about the professionals who make it all happen.
Heather Kasten, President/CEO
As the President/CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Heather leads a dedicated team working to build a strong, resilient business community in Sarasota. With a passion for people, she enjoys collaborating with the Chamber’s team, board, members, and the larger Sarasota community to drive meaningful progress.
A proud native of Millstadt, Illinois, Heather found a calling in Sarasota’s vibrant business landscape and serves the community with enthusiasm and dedication. One of her proudest professional achievements is leading the Chamber to be recognized as the Florida Chamber of the Year, a testament to the team’s hard work and shared vision.
Outside of work, you can find Heather enjoying Sarasota’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Favorite pastimes include reading, watching movies, and spending time on the water. The Bay Park is a favorite spot for strolls with her dog, Cooper, while Saturday mornings are best spent at the Sarasota Farmers Market.
Heather's leadership and dedication continue to inspire the Chamber team as they work together to support and grow Sarasota’s thriving business community.
Ed Hill, Vice President
As Vice President of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Ed focuses on driving membership growth, fostering engagement, and developing strategic sponsorships to ensure every member experiences true value. His favorite part of the role? Watching members leverage Chamber resources to grow and thrive in Sarasota’s vibrant business community.
Originally from North Conway, New Hampshire, Ed joined the Sarasota Chamber in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience. His journey includes six-and-a-half years as an Executive Director, active service on multiple Chamber committees, and six years on the Board of Directors for two additional Chambers. Among his many professional accomplishments, being inducted into the Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame stands out as a career highlight.
Outside of work, Ed cherishes time with his grandchildren and never misses an opportunity to enjoy Sarasota’s stunning beaches and sunsets. A little-known fact about Ed? He’s a dedicated fan of James Bond movies.
Ed’s commitment to the Chamber and its members continues to make a meaningful impact on Sarasota’s business landscape.
Dan Sidler
Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development
(941)556-4045 dsidler@sarasotachamber.com
Dan Sidler, Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development
As Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Dan Sidler leads the Chamber’s workforce and economic development initiatives. He oversees the organization’s programs team, including CareerEdge, Opportunities for All (OFA), the Young Professionals Group, and Leadership Sarasota. Passionate about fostering career growth and business success, Dan thrives in the ever-evolving nature of his role, where he engages with a diverse network of individuals and businesses to create meaningful, lasting impact in the community.
Originally from Zurich, Switzerland, Dan first joined the Sarasota Chamber as an intern in 2011 before transitioning into a full-time role as a marketing specialist. After gaining experience outside the organization, he returned in 2022 to assume his current leadership position. His professional accomplishments include being recognized as a 2024 Business Observer 40 Under 40 honoree and contributing to the Chamber’s achievement as Florida Chamber of the Year.
Outside of work, Dan enjoys disc golf, going to the movies, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. You can often find him exploring Sarasota’s many outdoor spaces—especially its disc golf courses. A little-known fact? He’s fluent in German.
Isabella Alvarado, Membership & Programs Coordinator
As the Membership & Programs Coordinator, Isabella plays a vital role in supporting Sarasota Chamber members and ensuring the success of its programs. Her favorite part of the job? Contributing to the growth of the business community and, in turn, strengthening the larger Sarasota community.
Born and raised in sunny Florida, Isabella has always called the state’s swamps and sandy beaches home. She first connected with the Chamber through the Opportunities for All Internship Program, an experience that sparked her passion for empowering local businesses. She’s especially proud of the Chamber’s consecutive 2024 wins, which recognized it as a top Chamber both in the state and nationwide.
When she’s not at work, Isabella loves spending time with her family and exploring creative outlets like drawing, writing, reading, baking, and playing instruments. One of her favorite spots in Sarasota is Ken Thompson Park, a hidden gem she believes deserves more attention.
Isabella’s dedication to the Chamber and her creative spirit make her a valued part of the team, contributing to Sarasota’s thriving community.
Pete Bartosik, Leadership & YPG Manager
As the Leadership Sarasota & YPG Manager, Pete Bartosik enjoys working with a dynamic and eclectic group of community leaders. His passion for relationship-building and empowering others to grow is at the core of his role, making him a vital part of the Chamber team.
Originally from Wheaton, IL—a charming suburb 45 minutes outside of Chicago—Pete’s journey brought him to Sarasota and the Chamber, where he has found fulfillment in helping to shape the next generation of local leaders.
Outside the office, Pete can often be found indulging in his love of movies, cheering on his beloved (and often heartbreaking) Chicago Bears, or enjoying great food—especially sushi, queso, and boba tea. In his downtime, he loves naps with his dogs.
His go-to coffee order? An iced caramel latte with oat milk and sugar. And if you catch him snacking, there’s a good chance he’s enjoying Culver’s cheese curds. Fun fact: Although Pete can’t whistle, he made a meaningful contribution during his undergraduate years by assisting in service dog training.
Pete’s enthusiasm for his role and his commitment to fostering connections make him an invaluable asset to the Sarasota Chamber.
Marlon Brown, Director of Government Affairs
Bio coming soon!
Kevin Golumbeck, Director of CareerEdge
As the Director of CareerEdge, Kevin plays a vital role in coordinating, executing, and tracking the success of various CareerEdge training and funding programs. His passion for helping others fuels his dedication to creating opportunities for individuals and businesses to thrive in the Sarasota community.
Motivated by a desire to grow and challenge himself in new ways, Kevin joined the Sarasota Chamber to make a meaningful impact in the region. His commitment to service and community development has been instrumental in advancing the Chamber’s workforce initiatives.
Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. His favorite pastimes include fishing, golfing, and hunting, as well as exploring Sarasota’s many unique offerings.
A fan of simple pleasures, Kevin’s go-to snacks are Peanut M&Ms or Skittles. His approachable nature and dedication make him an invaluable member of the Chamber team.
Zach Henkel, Membership Investment Manager
As Membership Investment Manager, Zach is dedicated to growing the Chamber’s membership and educating businesses on the wide range of resources available to help them thrive. His passion for connecting with Sarasota’s vibrant business community drives his success in building meaningful relationships and fostering economic growth.
Originally from Nashotah, Wisconsin, Zach has found a new home in Sarasota, where he has been instrumental in the Chamber’s success. He is particularly proud of the membership growth achieved during his tenure, including reaching an impressive milestone of 1,450 members in 2024.
Outside of work, Zach enjoys golfing, watching sports, and spending quality time with his wife and son.
Melanie Lavendar, Opportunities For All Manager
Bio coming soon!
Celeste Lloyd-Jones, Event Manager
As Events Manager, Celeste is at the helm of planning, organizing, and executing the Chamber’s diverse array of events, including networking functions, training sessions, and signature celebrations. Her passion lies in creating memorable experiences for members that foster connections, drive business growth, and leave lasting impressions. From themes and décor to building community partnerships, Celeste’s creativity and dedication shine in every detail.
Born and raised in sunny South Africa, Celeste carries with her the vibrant spirit of her homeland—a rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and diversity. After relocating to Naperville, Illinois, in 2018, her family made their way to Florida in 2022, where Celeste found her calling at the Sarasota Chamber.
Celeste’s proudest professional moments include mentoring younger team members, helping shape their careers, and working alongside passionate, talented individuals. Outside of work, she treasures time with her husband and two sons, stays active by running, and enjoys cheering her boys on in their sports endeavors. She also loves creating unforgettable family experiences, which inspire and strengthen their bond.
Her favorite local activity is a run on Lido Beach followed by brunch at Columbia in St. Armands Circle. A Dunkin coffee enthusiast and cheese lover, Celeste also channels her energy into competing in half marathons, marathons, and trail runs. Her love of life and dedication to her passions make her an inspiring member of the Sarasota Chamber team.
Craig McGonigal, Director of Membership Engagement
Craig McGonigal serves as the Director of Membership Engagement, where he oversees member retention, manages the Chamber's database, and serves as the go-to contact for members’ needs. His role centers on creating meaningful one-on-one interactions, building relationships, and learning about the passion that drives local businesses.
Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, Craig moved to Sarasota and found his way to the Chamber in July 2015. Since then, he’s been instrumental in helping the organization achieve significant milestones, including being named a Top 3 Chamber in the US and Canada and earning the title of Florida Chamber of the Year—all within the same year!
Outside of work, Craig is an avid sports fan, cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, and Tottenham Hotspur. He’s also a dedicated runner who has completed three marathons. When he's not running or watching sports, Craig enjoys spending time with friends and his nephews.
While he keeps his favorite local spots under wraps to remain neutral, he’s a black coffee enthusiast and is always up for a great conversation about sports or community building.
Hayley Nau, Strategic Brand Manager
Hayley serves as the Strategic Brand Manager, where she leads all Chamber communications, including social media, print media, digital media (newsletters), publications, and more. Her role revolves around storytelling, showcasing the Chamber's remarkable narrative and that of its incredible members. Hayley finds immense reward in this work, as it allows her to highlight the stories that shape the community.
Originally from Appleton, WI, Hayley made her way to the Sarasota Chamber after the organization recognized her potential as a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. She has played a pivotal role in the Chamber’s success, contributing to its recognition as a Top 3 Chamber in the US and Canada, earning the title of Florida Chamber of the Year, and receiving the 2024 FACP Outstanding Communications Award—all in the same year.
Outside of work, Hayley enjoys cheering for the Green Bay Packers, playing tennis, and spending time with her beloved dog, Lambeau. You can often find her soaking up the sun at the beach, where she loves to relax and unwind.
Her go-to coffee order is an Iced Vanilla Latte, and she has a fun secret: she is an avid sleepwalker! Hayley brings her passion for storytelling and love for the community to everything she does at the Chamber.
Allie Petschke, Communications Coordinator
In her role, Allie thrives on collaboration with her talented colleagues, turning creative visions into impactful campaigns. Her enthusiasm for connecting with people and making a difference is evident in everything she does.
When she’s not working, Allie embraces her love of the outdoors and an active lifestyle. Whether jet skiing, playing pickleball, golfing, or attending a country concert (Thomas Rhett is a favorite, with soon-to-be nine shows under her belt!), she’s happiest when surrounded by friends, family, or on the water. She also enjoys spending her time at church, or at Bible studies and worship nights. An avid shopper who loves exploring UTC and a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan, she continues to hold out hope for a Super Bowl win.
A little-known fact about Allie? She has an orange cat named Friday who acts more like a dog and keeps her entertained with his quirky antics. Her sweet tooth for anything chocolate and her love for Sarasota's vibrant community make her a perfect fit for the Chamber's team.
Christine Seamen, Accounting Manager
Christine serves as the Accounting Manager for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, overseeing all aspects of accounting and financial reporting for both the Chamber and the Chamber Foundation, as well as managing payroll.
Originally from Sterling Heights, MI, Christine was drawn to the Sarasota Chamber by a desire to return to a business environment after spending time working from home while raising her family.
In her free time, Christine enjoys the great outdoors with her family, volunteering in the Children's Ministry at her church, and participating in Bible Study Fellowship. She loves spending time at the beach with her husband, listening to music, throwing a frisbee, and watching the sunset.
Her go-to snack is ice cream and Italian gelato, and a fun fact about Christine is that she has lived in several states, including Michigan, New Jersey, Colorado, Maryland, Ohio, and Florida. With her diverse experiences and commitment to supporting the Chamber, Christine contributes greatly to the success of the organization.
Liliana Torres, Executive Assistant
Liliana serves as the Executive Assistant for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. In this role, she coordinates the schedule, meetings, and activities for the President/CEO and leadership team while overseeing operations and facilities support for the Chamber offices. With a focus on managing office functions and vendor accounts, she provides essential administrative support and acts as a liaison between leadership, staff, Board Members, partners, and external contacts.
With a deep appreciation for the Chamber's mission, Liliana finds joy in the dynamic environment and the opportunity to support local businesses and community members. She takes pride in fostering connections among staff, Board Members, and partners, contributing to the region's growth and success.
Although she has lived in several cities, Sarasota/Manatee County feels like home. She was drawn to the Chamber by its impactful programs, including Fast-Track training and other workforce development initiatives that empower the community.
Outside of work, Liliana enjoys spending quality time with her daughter on “day dates,” reading on the lanai, and volunteering with the children’s ministry. Weekend walks at Nathan Benderson Park and visits to local favorites like "The Granary" are cherished traditions. She is also fluent in four languages: English, Spanish, French, and Dutch!
Liliana is especially proud of her role in a past investigative effort that helped prevent an inmate from facing death row, demonstrating their commitment to meaningful work and thorough research.