The Avon Park Chamber of Commerce has named Raquel Embrack-Scott as its new executive director, filling the vacancy left by former director Kamla Long.
Embrack-Scott, who had been serving as interim executive director, officially began her permanent role on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The chamber’s mission is to promote the interests of its members by taking a leadership role in making Avon Park a quality place to live, work and conduct business. The executive director oversees efforts to support and serve member businesses and organizations across all categories, locations and sizes.
Embrack-Scott brings more than a decade of experience in community development, organizational leadership and cross-sector partnerships, primarily from New York. Her background includes work on community development and affordable housing for the Town of Islip, leadership with the Uniondale Community Council, and program development for the Department of Corrections in Queens.
She has forged partnerships with the United Way, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and various regional nonprofits.
Dr. Angel Hammond-Wiggins, interim board president for the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce, said the board was impressed with Embrack-Scott’s performance during her interim tenure.
“We are proud to now share that she has formally accepted the permanent executive director role,” Hammond-Wiggins said. “We look forward to the depth of knowledge and expertise she brings from her years in government and nonprofit service, and we are confident that her leadership will strengthen and elevate our Chamber and our community.”
Embrack-Scott expressed enthusiasm for the position. “With more than a decade of experience strengthening local business ecosystems and building cross-sector partnerships, I am excited about the opportunity to support Avon Park Chamber’s continued growth, economic vitality, and community engagement,” she said. “My experience prepared me to serve as a visible, trusted leader for the Chamber as someone who listens fully, communicates transparently, and represents the community with professionalism and enthusiasm.”
Embrack-Scott holds a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College in New York and a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from SUNY Old Westbury in New York. She also studied abroad at Minzu University in Beijing, China, focusing on international business structures, cross-cultural communication and global economic models.
Long had served as executive director for nearly three years before her departure in December 2025.
