SAGA Chamber of Commerce director hired

The Sanford Area Growth Alliance (SAGA) announced the hiring of Susan Gomez as SAGA’s Chamber of Commerce Director. In this role, Gomez will develop and lead small business support programs in addition to managing membership development and engagement efforts.

Susan was born and raised in Queens, NY and moved to Sanford, NC in 1999 after marrying her husband, Gus Gomez. She earned her degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and enjoyed her eighteen year career in Human Resources working for American Moulding & Millwork, Tyson Foods, Caterpillar and Noble Oil. Prior to joining the SAGA team, she served as Business Manager for St. Stephen Catholic Church in Sanford.

“Susan brings a unique blend of management and leadership skills to the position of Chamber Director, developed through years of experience with some of Lee County’s largest employers, and with her practical experience managing a busy office for a local not-for-profit organization, she can relate very well to the challenges of operating a small business,” stated SAGA CEO, Jimmy Randolph. “Susan is absolutely the right person at the right time to lead the Chamber of Commerce and assist its members, large and small, in capitalizing on the opportunities afforded by the dynamic economic growth in Sanford, Broadway and Lee County.”

She is a member of the Central Carolina Society for Human Resources (CCSHRM) and a Board member for the United Way of Lee County. She appreciates her small town and the quality of life it provided for her and Gus to raise their two daughters, Julianne and Jocelyn. Susan enjoys spending time in Downtown Sanford especially at live music events in Depot Park.

“I am beyond excited and eager to be part of the SAGA team,” said Gomez. “Throughout my twenty-three years in Sanford, I have enjoyed seeing its growth and look forward to being part of its continued expansion. My years of human resource experience, my love for Sanford and all the wonderful human connections I’ve made will be a great foundation for my new role as Director. Making new connections and continuing the engagement of members will be my drive as I learn and grow at SAGA.”

Additionally in this role, Susan will maintain relationships with small business development partners and allies such as Central Carolina Community College and Downtown Sanford, Inc. This role allows for connections with budding entrepreneurs along with current small business owners who are each looking to thrive in our dynamic community.

Gomez assumed her new role on July 18.

Courtesy photo/Contributed.

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