Sanda Bassett Named 2026 Hernando Chamber Chair, Prioritizes Expansion and Engagement

At the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce’s January monthly breakfast in Brooksville, outgoing board chair Nick Holmes passed the gavel to the organization’s incoming 2026 chair, reported local coverage and the chamber’s social announcement. The leadership transition marks the start of a year in which the chamber says it will push to grow membership and deepen the chamber’s ties to local businesses.

“We are going to focus on expansion, engagement, and impact. First, we will be focused on dedicating more chamber connection, one that welcomes new businesses and helps current members feel more supported,” incoming chair Sanda Bassett said in coverage by Austyn Szempruch of the Hernando Sun. The comment frames a year of priorities that could shape programming, networking events, and business outreach across Hernando County.

The chamber’s official 2026 Executive Board listing shows the new chair affiliated with Air Source Cooling & Heating LLC and identifies Aaron Ciccarello of MidFlorida Credit Union as chair-elect, James Morris of Cemex, Inc. as secretary, Frank Cassara of Centennial Bank as treasurer, and Nick Holmes of Holmes Drafting Services as immediate past chair. Ashley Hofecker is listed as chief executive officer. The chamber’s official contact information is 15588 Aviation Loop Dr., Brooksville, FL 34604; phone 352-796-0697; email support@hernandochamber.com. The chamber’s Instagram account also posted the naming of the new chair after the January breakfast.

Readers should note a discrepancy in the spelling of the new chair’s last name across sources. The Hernando Sun and the chamber’s Instagram use “Sanda Bassett” with two t’s, while the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Executive Board page spells the name “Sanda Basset” with one t. Residents or reporters seeking confirmation can contact the chamber at the phone number or email listed above.

Volunteer committee and event leadership named in meeting coverage underscores the chamber’s grassroots organization. Hernando Sun listed Advocacy co-chairs James Morris and Buddy Selph, Training co-chairs Lindsey Hack and Amy Anderson, Networking chair Nick Holmes, and Marketing chair Christie Williams. Program chairs for 2025 included Scott Herring for Leadership Hernando and Deb Weaver for Ambassadors, with Angie Bonfardino, Shannon Sokolowski, and Lindsey Hack also listed. Event chairs cited for 2025 included Ashley Hofecker for Day at the Capitol, Lindsey Heck for Keys to Success, Nick Holmes for Resident’s Reception, Jared Tanner for the Chamber Golf Classic, Jamie Kennedy for Bowling for Business, Charlotte Edwards for Beauty in Business, and Sanda Bassett for Chamber Week. A truncated line in the meeting notes listed Aaron Ciccarello, Nick Holmes, and Eddie Williams without full role details; the chamber can confirm the complete event roster.

For local businesses, the leadership shift signals an emphasis on outreach that could mean more welcome events for new firms, greater member support services, and renewed networking opportunities. Community members interested in chamber programs, membership, or upcoming events should contact the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce directly for schedules and verification of leadership details.