The Greater Leander Chamber of Commerce announced Feb. 21 that Bridget Brandt will serve as the organization's next president and CEO beginning on or before April 1.

Following an extensive search, the board of directors unanimously approved Brandt for the position, board Chairwoman Tanya Clawson said.

"We had many strong candidates from all over the country," Clawson said. "Brandt brings with her 15 years of proven nonprofit and organizational development knowledge and experience."

Brandt currently serves as the director of marketing for Sage Nonprofit Solutions, a supplier of accounting and business management software. Prior to that, she worked as the director of marketing and business development for the Greater Texas Federal Credit Union and as the director of membership development for the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce.

"We wanted a leader with proven chamber experience, business leadership, governmental relations and economic development," said Jeremy Barclay, a member of the search committee that helped select the new president. "Bridget had all of the skills the committee felt were needed to serve our members and continue to grow the chamber, and the passion and drive to inject new life into the community. We are thrilled to welcome her."

Brandt obtained her master's degree in business from Texas State University and a bachelor's degree from the Red McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas. She was selected as one of the Top 50 women in business by the Austin Business Journal and has won numerous marketing awards. She also co-founded Support Behind the Badge, a Cedar Park nonprofit organization that unites the families of Cedar Park police officers and enhances the department's image within the community.

"I am honored and excited about being selected as the president for the Greater Leander Chamber of Commerce," Brandt said. "I will be joining an organization that has tremendous growth potential in a community that is eager for change. I cannot wait to get started working with the board, volunteers and members to promote businesses and the community."