Don Burnette Appointed Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce CEO

The Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce has appointed Don Burnette as its new President and CEO, the organization announced on Monday. He’ll assume his position on Monday, August 25th. The appointment of Burnette as the President and CEO of the Chamber follows the resignation of his predecessor, Barbara Ann Heegan, at the end of July. Heegan said she was departing to care for an older relative across the state. “Don’s track record of fiscal responsibility, collaborative leadership, and deep commitment to our community makes him the ideal person to guide the Chamber forward,” said Chamber Board Chair Dan Morris. “We are excited to see the positive impact he will bring to our members and the region as a whole.” Burnette served as Mayor of Port Orange from 2016 to 2024, on top of six additional years serving on the City Council, two of which were as vice mayor. In 2024 Burnette ran for Volusia County Council Chair, finishing fourth out of four with 12.8% of the vote in the August primary and failing to move on to the general election. In the private sector, Burnette works as a mortgage professional with The Mortgage Firm, Inc. For the past nine years he has worked in Volusia County with residential loan organization, amassing a record which the Chamber praised in their announcement. “At the end of the day, if we can make a positive impact in our community – if we have strong, safe neighborhoods where people feel connected – then I consider that a success,” Burnette said. “I am honored to lead the Chamber into its next chapter of growth and opportunity.”