Dr. Nick Grounds.
By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
A sudden shake-up at the top of the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce leadership has cast uncertainty over the organization's future.
According to multiple sources with knowledge of the subject and emails obtained by The Apopka Voice, the Chamber's Executive Committee has terminated the contract of Dr. Nick Grounds as president/CEO. The Chamber has scheduled an emergency board meeting for Wednesday, following what its executive committee described as “difficult decisions” regarding the organization’s leadership.
Related: Apopka Chamber continues its 2024 rollercoaster ride.
In an email to the board, the executive committee said its actions were made with “careful thought and with the best interests of the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce in mind.” The committee emphasized that it remains committed to transparency, fairness, and unity and holds “no personal ill will against Dr. Nick Grounds or any individual.”
Grounds, who has served as Chamber president and CEO since July 2024, provided a separate account. In an email to board members, he said Chamber Chairman Matt DiSalvatore terminated his contract, along with the contract of staff member Katelyn Grounds, without consulting with the full board. In the email, Grounds said the dispute centers on the Chamber’s relationship with contractor Chad Creech, who has assisted with events and technology.
When contacted by The Apopka Voice, Grounds would not elaborate on his termination or the email he sent to board members.
"My only comment is that I do not have any idea why the chairman of the board has attempted to fire me," he said.
In the email, Grounds also outlined steps taken to stabilize the Chamber’s finances over the past year, including paying off credit card debt and setting up repayment for a federal loan. He further raised concerns about payments authorized to Creech’s affiliated nonprofit and called for greater transparency from the executive board.
The Apopka Voice attempted to reach DiSalvatore through the Chamber’s voicemail, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
This developing story will be updated in future editions of The Apopka Voice.
