The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce board of directors announced Oct. 28 chamber President Mel Pendland will retire at the end of 2013, and Executive Vice President Karen Sheldon will become president Jan. 1.

"Continuity of leadership has been an important goal of the chamber for some time, and the board has worked closely with Mel to develop and implement this plan over the last several years," board Chairman Kirk Kriegel said in a statement. "While we are sorry to see Mel leave, we are confident that Karen is well prepared to lead the chamber in the years ahead and that we will continue to be guided by the same strategic vision that has brought us so far in recent years as a chamber and a community."

Pendland became president of the chamber in November 1999. Since that time, he has been involved with several projects in Georgetown, including the creation of the Texas Life-sciences Collaboration Center. In 2010, he oversaw the expansion of the chamber's facilities.

According to a news statement from the chamber, Pendland plans to stay in Georgetown and continue as vice president and general manager of Capitol City Group LLC, a management-consulting firm he co-founded in 1996.

Sheldon, who joined the chamber in 2002, has previously served as administrative assistant, director of development and vice president of operations.

Her duties have included the day-to-day operation of the chamber and supervising chamber staff.

"I am honored to lead this dynamic organization and will work closely with business and civic leaders to ensure that our chamber and our community continue to grow and prosper," Sheldon said in a statement. "The chamber is proud to be an integral part of Georgetown's vibrant business community and is invested in the success of our members and our 'City of Excellence.'"