FOR CITY TIMES

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – After three years, Angel Whitehead is leaving as President of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce in Wisconsin Rapids. Whitehead will join Centergy as the organization’s new President and CEO.

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve as the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce President,” Whitehead said, in an open letter to Heart of Wisconsin investors, partners and friends. “The growth that we have built together has been nothing short of extraordinary. I am proud of the accomplishments of the Chamber. These achievements are not simply attributable to one person, but to a large group of leaders, hard-working staff, and volunteers. The Chamber has grown, prospered, and found success because we found some great friends like you who gave us loyal support along the way. I cannot thank you all enough for your investment and support of the Chamber. I will remain actively involved in our Chamber of Commerce; like you, I believe in the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce’s work and ability to strengthen the local economy and enhance the quality of place,” Whitehead added.  

Centergy, a regional economic development organization representing a five-county region in central Wisconsin, is based in Wausau, and named Whitehead as its new President/CEO following a competitive, national recruitment process. “The board of directors is thrilled to welcome Angel as Centergy’s new leader,” said Manny Vasquez, a Centergy board member. “Angel’s experience leading workforce, business and economic development initiatives in the Wisconsin Rapids area, combined with her passion, vision for the organization and commitment to promoting the region, are an ideal fit for the organization.”

As President/CEO, Whitehead will be responsible for developing and executing Centergy’s key strategies, goals and objectives in collaboration with its board of directors, investors and other stakeholders. The organization is focused on promoting central Wisconsin to help attract, retain and develop talent and businesses in the counties of Adams, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage and Wood.

Whitehead has been engaged with Centergy and the central Wisconsin region for many years. She is a graduate of Mid-State Technical College with an Associate’s Degree in Digital Marketing. Prior to leading the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber, she served as Marketing and Communications Director at the Portage County Business Council. Whitehead was recently awarded the Wisconsin Economic Development Association’s Young Professional Award, and has been involved in several community and economic development organizations, including IGNITE Young Professionals, Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Board of Directors, Sunrise Rotary and the Secretary for Opportunity Development’s Executive Board.

“Centergy is vital to the continued economic prosperity of central Wisconsin,” said Whitehead. “The organization has accomplished a great deal in the past, but there is so much more to do. As the new President and CEO, I am confident that together with investors, municipalities, and other partner organizations we can further grow and enhance the region. I am excited to hit the ground running.”

Whitehead’s first day leading Centergy will be October 6th. “On October 5th, I will close my office door at the Chamber for the final time, begin a new chapter in my life, and turn the reigns of this great organization over to our Executive Team,” Whitehead added in her departing letter. “I have been blessed to work with many of you in the business community, remarkable bright volunteers on the Board of Directors, and tireless professional staff. All will forever hold a special place in my life. I believe this change will be a catalyst for new ideas, fresh approaches, and bigger opportunities. I am confident that the Chamber will continue to grow and be a strong voice for our businesses and communities.”

At Centergy, Whitehead follows Gordon Crow, who retired earlier this summer.