Kenn Brown is the new president of the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce.
PINELLAS PARK – Kenn Brown is the new president/CEO of the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce and he has a lot of new ideas to spark even more interest in the organization.
Brown is the latest addition to the chamber that in the last few years grew from a barely active business group to one that is recognized as a leader in its field.
“The chamber is doing a lot of new and interesting things,” Brown said. “I am very happy to be a part of it all.”
Born in Cullman, Ala., Brown graduated from local schools and holds college degrees in accounting and paralegal studies. But it was while spending 12 years in the Navy that he learned organizational, leadership and other skills.
His military job essentially was to organize military events. At one point he worked for the Supreme Allied Commander of the NATO Forces where he rubbed shoulders with world leaders.
“It was very interesting and rewarding work,” Brown said.
He once received a medal for organizing a six-island project in the Caribbean for hurricane victims.
“I left the Navy because of ulcers,” Brown said. “You can’t have ulcers and be on a ship or submarine where proper medical attention might not be available.”
After discharge Brown worked for a Key West bank. He later earned an insurance license and went to work for Mutual of Omaha and held positions at Morton Plant Hospital, Suncoast Hospice and the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce before landing in Pinellas Park last May.
His two children, Adrian, 24, is a high-end cabinet maker and his daughter, Annie-Lee, 22, is studying to be a psychologist. Both were homeschooled.
Brown’s goal is to use the many resources within the community to help businessmen and women.
He also wants to establish an educational program for high school students that will introduce them to the chamber.
“Schools don’t teach about chambers of commerce and many of the important aspects of business,” Brown said. “We want to do just that by bringing young people into our chamber and get them ready for their careers.”
Brown said Pinellas Park and the surrounding area have much to offer. He said the goal is to share those benefits with everyone.
When not working for the chamber Brown is involved with veteran groups and HIV awareness.
“My goal is always give back to the community,” Brown said.
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