Lisa Albizu-Vazquez started as executive director of the South Dade Chamber of Commerce on June 1, and the chamber formally introduced her alongside its 2025-26 board of directors at a community reception Monday, July 27, at Mon Petit Gardens.

The appointment matters for Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay business owners. The chamber, founded in 1915, serves businesses throughout South Miami-Dade County, including those along the U.S. 1 and Old Cutler corridors, and Albizu-Vazquez has outlined three priorities: strengthening member engagement, expanding business visibility and creating more networking opportunities, according to the chamber's announcement.

She brings more than 20 years of experience in partnerships and civic engagement across South Florida, the chamber said in a June 29 announcement. Before taking the executive director role, she served on the chamber's board and held leadership positions elsewhere, including president of the Junior Orange Bowl during its 75th anniversary year. She is also an educator and entrepreneur.

"South Dade has given me the opportunity to raise our children, making this opportunity deeply personal," Albizu-Vazquez said in the June 29 announcement. "I believe Chambers of Commerce should be more than simply a networking organization. It should be catalysts for connection, collaboration, and community progress."

Board Chair Karin Mas said in the same announcement that Albizu-Vazquez's community ties and leadership experience position her to grow the chamber's membership across South Dade.

The reception drew business leaders, elected officials and community partners, according to South Dade Spotlight. Golden Krust sponsored the event.

July programming already reflected the new direction. The chamber hosted a "Coffee & Commerce: Margin Matters" breakfast at The Sanctuary on Wednesday, July 8, focused on cash flow and pricing for small businesses. A monthly luncheon on Thursday, July 16, featured Jose Gonzalez, vice president of Strive305 at the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, and Amaris Hess of New Hope CORPS. The "Chamber After Dark" mixer series continued at local member businesses.

The chamber holds monthly luncheons on the third Thursday of each month.

Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay businesses interested in joining or learning about upcoming events can reach the South Dade Chamber of Commerce at 305-247-2332 or online at southdadechamber.org.