Putting Success in Succession

Since becoming president and CEO of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Patrick Chapin said the job is “nonstop, but a lot of fun.”

While gearing up for the Gulf Coast Salute Airshow, a three-day aviation showcase that took place the first weekend of May, Chapin said, “I’m like an 8-year-old schoolboy. I’ve never lived in a community with a military presence like this. Every time I hear the jets fly by, I rush outside to record them so I can send it to my brothers.”

It was his first time in Bay County but not in Florida. Chapin grew up in Orlando and spent the formative years of his career at the Walt Disney Company developing international programs and sponsorships. He moved on to serve as president and CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce before pursuing the same role in North Carolina for the Highpoint Chamber of Commerce for around seven years.

“I wanted my gills to grow back, to be near water and sunshine,” Chapin said. “There were several places I could go, but Bay County was definitely the most appealing.”

That appeal, he said, stems from “an undeniable collaborative, positive energy,” he detected the moment he stepped foot in the Panhandle. He enjoys that Bay County is still small enough to get community leaders — the heads of hospitals, school superintendents and university spearheads — around a table. 

“Bay County has a tremendous opportunity for growth,” he said. “Orlando grew so fast, and there are challenges that come with that. With the great leadership within our county, I feel like we can strive to do some appropriate, positive development.”

Before becoming CEO of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Patrick Chapin spent his early career at the Walt Disney Company and was CEO of both the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Highpoint Chamber of Commerce in North Carolina. He is dedicated to improving Bay County by focusing on issues important to the community. Photo by Mike Fender

Thus far, Chapin has been doing more listening than speaking. He praises the expertise of people, such as Bay County Economic Development President Becca Harden, and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport Executive Director Parker W. McClellan, calling those individuals and organizations “some of Bay County’s biggest assets.”

He doesn’t mind being the new kid in school, as he believes a fresh set of eyes will inspire the work he plans to do as he succeeds former president and CEO, Carol Roberts.

“Carol was with the chamber here for decades and created a strong foundation that, frankly, most chambers never get around to accomplishing,” Chapin said. “We have spoken several times, and she is open to being a resource for me. It would be silly to waste that expertise and historical IQ.”

Chapin is dedicated to focusing on specific issues important to the community. Namely, the chamber is zeroing in on providing affordable child care and bolstering workforce development. Chapin is passionate about career and technical education (CTE) and previously worked to establish the Guilford Apprenticeship Partners, a program that became the model for CTE in North Carolina by providing career pathways for high school students to obtain certifications and internships in sectors such as cybersecurity, logistics and advanced manufacturing. 

“I would say the most important thing in front of us right now is the infrastructure surtax renewal,” Chapin said of the bill that will appear on the November ballot. “We now have significant data showing the number of projects our community has been able to do and their impacts.”

Chapin (middle) received an honorary commendation during the Gulf Coast Salute Airshow from Col. George Watkins (left) and
Col. Bergholdt (right). Photo by Tyndall Public Affairs

Chapin conducted a survey among chamber members and said that 89% of members are in support of infrastructure surtax. The initiative, which was passed in 2016, is devoted to the improvement of structures such as roads, sidewalks, and sewer and water lines. Chapin said they have been able to leverage some $100 million worth of projects in Bay County, and the chamber is prioritizing driving its renewal.

For Chapin, leadership in projects such as these succeeds by “focusing outward and giving selflessly.” 

Chapin holds himself to a high standard but sets realistic expectations.

“Anything you expect from your staff, you should be willing to do as well,” he said. “I’m happy to speak before 400 people, and then load the events cooler into the back of my truck. I don’t have sharp elbows; I don’t have an ego, and I’m OK with not being the smartest guy in the room. I don’t think you can separate Patrick the leader from who I am personally.”

In addition to enjoying time with his family, Chapin has visited 55 countries, is a five-time Ironman and ultramarathon finisher and a kidney donor. He is passionate about fundraising for Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare genetic disorder from which his young niece, Blaire, passed away.

Chapin is an outdoor enthusiast and is a five-time finisher of the Ironman race and completed an ultramarathon. Photo courtesy of Patrick Chapin

He once explored the expanse of the Grand Canyon from “rim to rim” in 16 hours, but going to work in Bay County every day gets his heart pumping.

“I simply wish to be a very good partner as all these wonderful figures in our community lead forward,” he said. “We really are an active county, and you can feel the optimism. I get excited to work here every day. I really do.”

When asked what more he could want in life, he laughed, “Nothing, except for maybe the beach and a good day of fishing.”