Moving Our Community Forward: Kevin Sheilley

The Catalyst

With more than a decade at the helm of the Ocala Metro CEP, Kevin Sheilley and his team have set the pace for job and wage growth in the Ocala Metro. Serving as the voice for the business community, the CEP has attracted new businesses and industries, helped existing employers expand, and launched innovative programs designed to help entrepreneurs thrive. Learn more about the chamber and economic partnership, what new programs are on the horizon, and how the CEP is moving our community forward.
Nonprofit Featured in this Episode: Project Hope
Kevin Sheilley, CCE, President & CEO
Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership
Kevin is the President/CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), the community's primary chamber and economic development organization. He also serves as Executive Director of the Foundation for Chamber Economic Partnership, Lake Economic Area Development, Inc. and the Ocala Downtown Market, Inc.
He is a career chamber/economic development professional and has spoken across the county on issues related to economic and community development. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the National Excellence in Economic Development Award from the US Department of Commerce and FACP's Executive of the Year in 2021. He also recently earned the distinction of Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
The CEP was named the Florida Chamber of the Year in 2018 and ACCE's National Chamber of the Year in 2020 after being a finalist in three out of the last four years. In 2019 he marked his 25th year in the chamber/economic development field.
Prior to coming to Ocala, Kevin had worked in chamber/economic development in Kentucky and Tennessee. The CEP and LEAD represent the fourth and fifth times he has successfully assisted communities in merging/creating new chamber/economic development entities.
Kevin is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and is a graduate of Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He and his wife, Lisa, are the parents of three children.
The Catalyst is hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas Law Firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios, located in Ocala, Florida. New episodes, guests, and perspectives of leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.