CAMBRIDGE — Dorchester Chamber of Commerce released the names of the two new Directors and the slate of officers for 2018.

“Two new Dorchester County business leaders have joined the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2018. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and a high level of enthusiasm for the success of the Dorchester County Business Community. While we are sad to see Jennifer Layton and Dave Cannon leave the board after completing their terms we are excited to have Lynnell and Joel join the Chamber Team.” says Bill Christopher, president/CEO for the Chamber.

Joel Bunde joined the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay as the General Manager (GM) in October of 2017. Mr. Bunde came to the Chesapeake Bay Resort from the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa and Casino, where he also served as GM.

“I love the Eastern Shore and am thrilled to be back at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay,” Mr. Bunde said. “The water, the crabs, and Maryland’s best finishing hole in golf all make this four-diamond resort a very special property.”

Mr. Bunde has over 24 years of experience with Hyatt Corporation, including 16 years in management positions at properties including Hyatt Aruba, Hyatt Key West, Hyatt Curacao, Hyatt Chesapeake, Hyatt Indianapolis, Park Hyatt Carmel, Hyatt San Francisco and Hyatt Rickeys. Throughout his career, Mr. Bunde has earned numerous industry accolades including Manager of the Year at Hyatt Rickeys, as well as two nominations for Rooms Executive of the Year.

Lynnell Collins serves as branch manager, assistant vice president for the Cambridge Branch of Shore United Bank. She is a native of Dorchester County and has worked in community banking for over 17 years. Lynnell received an AA in Business Management from Chesapeake College, completed various courses at American Institute of Banking, and is a graduate from the Maryland School of Banking.

She has developed a strong sense of devotion for her community, especially the youth. Lynnell has participated in various organizations in the community — CASA, Junior Achievements, and Thrive 25 to name a few. She has also been an active member of the Chamber, participating with the Membership and Ambassador Committees, and volunteering at several Chamber events over the past few years.

These experiences have given her a deep appreciation of how community banking and community involvement work hand-and-hand. Ms. Collins says, “There is nothing more rewarding than giving back and making a difference in the lives of people in this great community.”

The Executive Committee for 2018 was also ratified by the Board of Directors at the Dec. 13, 2017 monthly meeting. Chairman - Lori Nagel from the Whitten Group LLC; Chairman Elect – Gerry Boyle from Benson & Mangold and IRONMAN; Past Chairman - Jeff Hubbard from Lane Engineering; Vice Chairman and Treasurer – Lynnell Collins from Shore United Bank and Vice Chairman - Sarah Baugh from McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC.

These appointments and other Chamber activities will be reviewed at the 2018 Dorchester Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Dinner being held on Jan. 25, 2018 at the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay Resort and Spa. Keynote speaker for the event will be Maryland Secretary of Labor, Licensing, & Regulation Kelly Schulz.