Chamber CEO Isabelle Renault graduates from U.S. Chamber leadership program

The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Isabelle Renault, President and CEO, has graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management, a nationally recognized professional development program for chamber, association and nonprofit executives.

IOM is a four-year course of study designed to strengthen the leadership, operational, governance, financial, advocacy, and member-service skills needed to manage complex nonprofit organizations. 

Renault began the IOM program in 2006, but when the Chamber was impacted by the recession in 2008, she paused to focus on helping the organization and the business community navigate the following years.

"In many ways, the timing made the experience even more valuable," Renault said of her experience. "Completing the program in 2025 and 2026 gave me access to conversations and classes that are directly relevant to the challenges chambers face today, including AI, governance, workforce, and the evolving role of chambers in building strong communities."

For the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, the additional expertise in nonprofit management, governance and organizational strategy will support the Chamber's efforts to pursue U.S. Chamber accreditation and work toward long-term financial sustainability, strategic plan implementation, and deeper alignment between programs, advocacy, and member needs.

Members benefit from a Chamber that is applying national best practices to improve programs, strengthen member value, support business growth, and serve as an effective voice for the business community.

"I also had the privilege of learning alongside 38 leaders from different-sized chambers, diverse backgrounds, 32 states, and Europe. While every community has its own strengths and challenges, we shared the same purpose: championing businesses and building thriving local economies," Renault said. "This experience reminded me that it is never too late to finish what you started — and sometimes the delay gives the lesson even greater value."