The Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce has appointed John Phillips as their new president, the Chamber announced last week. Phillips succeeds the Chamber’s most recent president, Greg Blose and its interim president, Howard Holley.
“I’m thrilled to take on the new role here at the Chamber,” Phillips said in a phone interview on Tuesday. “Every time I had an additional interaction, I got more and more excited about the opportunity.”
Prior to joining the Chamber, Phillips spent 27 years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. He worked within the school’s athletics department, eventually spending a decade as the Athletic Director.
After leaving ERAU in 2024, Phillips spent seven months as CEO of Pictona, a large pickleball facility in Holly Hill. Along the way during those endeavors he’s regularly done live sports commentary, including events at Daytona International Speedway and for Flagler College in St. Augustine.
Phillips says he’s been bringing himself up to speed on the Flagler County economy and business scene. He’s lived in Central Florida since 1989 but resides in Ormond Beach. “There is tremendous crossover between Volusia and Flagler counties, so I think I do have an advantage in that area,” he continued. “I’m familiar [with Flagler County], but not as familiar as I will be tomorrow or next week or next month or later this year. The learning curve is going to be steep but I’m eager to get acquainted and meet residents and businesses in Flagler County.”
As President, Phillips will answer to the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Notable members include Chair Michael Chiumento III, as well as Teresa Rizzo (Flagler Education Foundation), David Ayres (Flagler Broadcasting), Scott Sowers (Cline Construction) and Laura Gilvary (Intracoastal Bank).
