AMA Tampa Bay names 2026-27 board

AMA Tampa Bay has named its 2026-27 board of directors and says the chapter is entering the season with at least one learning event and one networking event scheduled each month. The announcement signals a heavier programming push as the group leans into professional development, recognition and national certification access for Tampa Bay marketers.

Why it matters: - AMA Tampa Bay is expanding opportunities for local marketers to learn, network and earn recognition throughout the year. - The chapter is also tying its programming more closely to the American Marketing Association's national Professional Certified Marketer credential. - The new board arrives as AI and other technology shifts continue to change marketing work.

What happened: - AMA Tampa Bay announced its 2026-27 board of directors on July 29, 2026. - The chapter says the new board will operate with at least one learning event and one networking event every month. - Rich Odato of Odato Marketing will serve as president. - Kelsy Long of Vistra Communications will serve as immediate past president. - Tyler Adams of Blue Haven Pools will serve as president elect and VP communications. - Carmen Murillo, formerly of The Melting Pot and McDonald's, will serve as VP operations. - Pat Cooper of Pegasystems will serve as VP programming. - Sean Galbraith of Orange 142 will serve as VP sponsorships. - Dzuy Nguyen of Big Sea will serve as VP membership and volunteers. - Casey Young of Friends of the Riverwalk will serve as VP at large. - Evan Brenner of Geographic Solutions will serve as VP collegiate. - Kevin Nobles of Nobles Research and formerly of Procter & Gamble will serve as VP market research. - Carolina Brom of Pampa Consulting and formerly of Natura &Co will serve as VP Marketer of the Year.

The details: - Odato called the board "exceptionally strong" and said the timing matters because AI and other innovations are affecting the industry daily. - Odato said the chapter is focused on giving marketers in Tampa Bay learning, networking and recognition, plus a path to national PCM certification. - AMA Tampa Bay offers members professional development, networking and industry recognition. - The chapter gives members access to the American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer credential. - AMA Tampa Bay is inviting members and prospective members to explore upcoming events and membership at more information. - AMA Tampa Bay was founded in 1972. - The chapter serves marketing professionals, students and educators across the Tampa Bay region. - AMA Tampa Bay is known for the results-based Marketer of the Year competition, the Tampa Bay Marketing Hall of Fame and the Distinguished Educator of the Year award. - The chapter includes collegiate chapters at the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and Saint Leo University. - The American Marketing Association has more than 30,000 members nationally.

Between the lines: - The board lineup suggests the chapter is blending agency, corporate, research and nonprofit experience to broaden its appeal. - The emphasis on monthly programming and certification points to a strategy built around recurring member value, not one-off events. - The new structure also appears designed to keep the chapter visible as marketers look for guidance on AI-driven change.

What's next: - AMA Tampa Bay's 2026-27 calendar will continue to roll out learning and networking events across the year. - The chapter is likely to use its board bench to support programming, sponsorships, collegiate outreach and recognition initiatives. - Members can expect continued emphasis on professional development and PCM certification pathways.