New Fayette Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Carlotta Ungaro had her first day on the job on Feb. 9. In some ways, the new job in Fayette is a lot like coming home.
“I’m excited to be here,” Ungaro said Monday. “It’s appealing to come back to an area where I already have lots of connections. It should help my ability to get going smoother and quicker. And I’m looking forward to meeting more people in the county versus 10 years ago.”
Ungaro comes to Fayette County by way of the chamber in Morrisville, N.C., and, before that, from Beaufort, S.C., where she served as president of the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce for five years.
Prior to that time, Ungaro lobbied for the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce for nearly six years.
Ungaro began her time in economic development as the research director for the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce. She later worked as a regional economic development representative of the Georgia Department of Economic Development and then as the vice president of government affairs for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
“I am thrilled to be back in Georgia and Fayette County is like coming home. Fayette County has a great pro-business climate and I am honored that I have been chosen to represent the businesses here,” Ungaro said.
Now in Fayette County where her husband, Maurice, once worked and lived, Ungaro will lead the county’s largest business organization of nearly 800 members.
The decision to hire Ungaro for the chamber’s top position came after a nationwide search.
“Carlotta’s accomplishments during her tenure at the Morrisville and Beaufort chambers exemplify her strong leadership ability,” said 2014 chamber Board Chairman and chamber search committee leader Michael Burnett. “Her background and experience demonstrate her ability to be a strong advocate for Fayette businesses. Her connections throughout the state of Georgia will help continue to position Fayette County as an important player in regional and state economic development.”
The chamber’s 2015 Board Chairman and search committee member Greg Detwiler also weighed-in on Ungaro’s selection.
“I am excited about the skills, experience and leadership that Carlotta will be bringing to our chamber,” said Detwiler, an executive with Georgia Power Co. “We are well positioned today and her chamber, economic and policy development experience, along with her business background, make her the perfect fit to take us forward. We fully anticipate that she will continue the chamber’s growth and positive influence in the community that we have experienced in last few years.”
Originally from Ellaville, Ungaro graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus and received her MBA from Georgia State University. She received Chamber Certified Executive (CCE) status in 2013, is a 2009 graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute of Organizational Management and was a 2014 class advisor. She has completed four leadership programs including Atlanta’s Regional Leadership Institute and Leadership South Carolina.
Carlotta and Maurice will be relocating to Fayette County.
