Nancy P. Keefer, CCE, IOM, Named 2026 Life Member Honoree

ACCE announces that Nancy P. Keefer, CCE, IOM, is this year's recipient of the Life Member Award. ACCE bestows this pinnacle award on those who retire after stellar careers in chamber leadership. 

“We are proud to honor Nancy in recognition of a career defined by leadership, service and lasting impact,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Across nearly four decades, Nancy strengthened chambers, mentored professionals and helped advance the chamber industry at the local, state and national levels. Her commitment to community leadership and to the people of this profession represents the very best of what this award celebrates."

Join us in celebrating Nancy, her enduring influence and lifetime of service to the chamber profession on Tuesday, July 21, during the Awards Show at ACCE's Annual Convention in New Orleans. Register here.

About Nancy P. Keefer, CCE, IOM
After a 38-year career in the chamber industry, Nancy Keefer retired as president/CEO of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce (Fla.) in December 2025. She had served in the chamber's leadership role since October 14, 2013.

During her tenure in Daytona Beach, Nancy was a member of the Daytona Beach Rotary Club and served on the Team Volusia Board of Directors, the Daytona Beach Economic Development Advisory Board, and was an active member of the Checkered Flag Club for Daytona International Speedway. She also led her chamber through a $3.2 million capital campaign to renovate its current state-of-the-art office building.

Nancy is a past chair of the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, receiving Chamber of the Year in 2000 and Professional of the Year in 2004. She served on the board of directors of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, representing all chambers in Florida. During her time as president & CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry (Pa.), Nancy served as chair of the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals.  

Nationally, Nancy served on the executive board and board of directors of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and chaired the organization in 2019. She also chaired the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management at the University of Georgia, Southeast Institute in 2005 and was a member of the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100 and National Accrediting Board. Nancy has led three chambers through accreditation with the U.S. Chamber.

Nancy earned her Certified Chamber Executive designation in 2006, an achievement held by only about 5% of chamber executives nationwide.

Nancy was recognized with several awards throughout her career, including the Frank Ryll Pillar Award from the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, Civic Leader Women of the Year by the Daytona Beach News Journal and the Volusia League of Cities President’s Award to name a few.

Prior to returning to Florida to lead the Daytona Regional Chamber, Nancy Keefer was president & CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry (Pa.) from 2008-2013. Before that, she was president & CEO of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce (Fla.) for 12 years. She began her chamber career in 1987 at the Chemung County Chamber (N.Y.) in her hometown area in New York's Finger Lakes region.

Nancy holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She resides in Port Orange, Florida, with her husband Chris.