Carol is a dynamic leader and extremely well-connected in the Tampa Bay Region.
Clearwater, FL (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
On December 5, 2014, incoming board chair Brian Aungst, Jr., announced that Carol Hague will be taking over as President and CEO of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce. Hague is a long-time Chamber board member and has served as the COO for recently-expanded law firm Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP. since 1993.
A graduate of the University of South Florida, Hague is a 40-year veteran of the Tampa Bay legal community who has served as a Chamber board member since 2006 and was chairwoman for two consecutive terms. She is a veteran adjunct professor at St. Petersburg College, is co founder of AchieveHERs women professionals group, and was also awarded the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce’s Woman of the Year Award. Hague consistently focuses on expanding community contacts, as well as networking and mentoring; the Clearwater Chamber has made huge leaps in enrollment under her leadership, more than doubling with Hague leading campaigns.
“Carol is the ideal candidate to lead the Clearwater Regional Chamber as we continue to serve as the voice of business and build on Bob Clifford’s success,” said Chairman of the Board, Brian Aungst, Jr. “Under Carol’s leadership and the outstanding leadership team, we will continue to be at the forefront on many important issues in the community.”
Bob Clifford announced that he will be transitioning from his position as President and CEO effective March 1, 2015. Clifford has run the Chamber since 2009, and was the driving force in returning it to financial health and rebuilding relationships with community leaders. He will be staying on as Senior Vice President during Hague’s transition targeting a retirement date of December, 2015.
“Carol is a dynamic leader and extremely well-connected in the Tampa Bay Region,” said Clifford. “I am extremely excited about being asked to be part of her senior leadership team, which includes Brooke Boccacino, our current VP of Membership Relations.”
Hague’s commitment to help the Chamber is a natural progression vis-à-vis working with Johnson Pope, as they, too, are committed to the community in which they reside and do business. Founded in 1973, Johnson Pope has focused on providing high-quality, ethical legal work in the Tampa Bay area. The firm has deep roots in the area, with a reputation built on putting clients first.
In her time with Johnson Pope, Hague has put her strengths in organization and problem solving to use by managing the law firm so the lawyers don’t have to. It’s an “I work hard so you don’t have to” kind of job, and one in which she has excelled. Hague’s work ethic and integrity will be greatly missed at the firm, according to Guy Burns, managing partner at Johnson Pope.
“Carol has been with us at Johnson Pope for over 20 years, and through a series of job changes, wound up doing the job of three prior executives simultaneously—and she has done it incredibly well,” said Burns. He added that her dedication to the law firm has been an integral part in the growth Johnson Pope has seen over the past two decades. Johnson Pope has expanded to three offices—Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg—and has hired more than 50 savvy lawyers, a testament to the leadership of Hague and the executive team.
“She is our MVP, is highly successful in everything she does, and will be greatly missed. We wish her every success at the Chamber,” said Burns.
About Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce:
Established in 1922, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) set out with the vision to be the premier voice of business in the Clearwater region. Representing more than 850 member businesses, the CRCC is one of the largest chambers in the Bay Area, and has become a large and powerful voice for its members through its ability to partner with other agencies and advocate on behalf of business and its members. CRCC’s mission is to enhance the business environment and promote economic health and growth in the Clearwater region. For more information, visit http://www.clearwaterflorida.org.