Hope Kennedy Allen, FCCP
President and CEO
"Education is key to developing an inclusive and equitable business culture. As leaders it is our responsibility to create a culture where everyone’s perspective is heard, accepted and appreciated."
Hope Allen assumed the role of President/CEO in July 2013, and is a Florida Certified Chamber Professional. Under her leadership, the North Tampa Chamber of Commerce has seen significant growth, recently becoming a two-county regional chamber by acquisition of the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce. The Tampa Bay Business Journal has recognized the Chamber as The Largest Chamber in 2014, and Best in Biz.
Allen’s work to support businesses of all sizes spans her entire career. Before joining the Wesley Chapel Chamber in 2012, she served Pensacola Chamber members as the organization’s Vice President of Membership. During her tenure, Allen was instrumental in the recovery efforts, post hurricane Ivan, and the BP Oil Spill. In this role, Allen also successfully designed and implemented strategies resulting in the engagement of more than 200 of Pensacola’s business leaders in a campaign to attract Southwest Airlines. Allen has also led membership and business development for United Way of The Capital Area as well as the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, both in Jackson, MS.
Allen currently sits on the Board of Directors for The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, and is active with the Florida Chamber, and American Chamber of Commerce Executives. In 2005, the Mississippi Business Journal recognized Hope as a “Top 40 under 40”for the State of Mississippi. The American Chamber of Commerce Executives in 2008 awarded her for “Outstanding Membership”, and in 2010 the Independent News in Pensacola named Hope a “Rising Star”.
Hope graduated from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management.
Hope is married to Justin, they have a 10-year-old daughter, and currently reside in New Tampa.