DOVER — Judy Diogo, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce president, plans to retire at the end of 2021, the CDCC board of directors announced Monday.

This is part of a five-year transition plan that was established for the organization by Ms. Diogo and the CDCC board in 2017. Upon retirement, she has agreed to continue to work with CDCC as a part-time consultant for as long as the new president and other leaders deem it necessary.

“When we started this transition plan in 2017, it seemed like we had so much time to work on it, and before you know it, here we are in the final stages of the five-year plan,” Ms. Diogo said in a prepared statement. “I am excited about my retirement, and I am excited for the new person who will have the opportunity to lead this wonderful organization!”

During Ms. Diogo’s 17-year tenure, the reach of CDCC has expanded, and its impact on the health of the central Delaware business community has been significant. Under her supervision, CDCC has become known as the essential resource for the development of businesses in the center part of the state.

The chamber’s membership has shown a 40% increase under her direction, reaching a goal of 1,000 in 2015. While the chamber was already accredited upon Ms. Diogo’s arrival in 2005, CDCC went on to achieve the level of three-star accreditation in 2008 and, in 2013 and 2018, became a two-time five-star accredited chamber, the highest designation offered.

The five-star accreditation, which is issued from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, places CDCC in the top 4% of all chambers in the U.S.

Ms. Diogo was also responsible for the creation of the Kent County Open for Business program, which was adopted statewide, and offers free business development sessions with a variety of resource partners from various organizations for people interested in opening or expanding a business. Since its inception in 2011, the initiative has hosted 760 participants and has helped establish 37 businesses.

During the past 18-plus months, CDCC, under Ms. Diogo’s direction, served tirelessly as a leader in the charge to help businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. This effort included the establishment of a Getting Back to Business task force, the assembly and distribution of COVID-19 starter kits to provide necessary personal protective equipment for businesses as they reopened, meeting regularly with other chambers and representatives from the governor’s office, and connecting businesses to necessary information regarding financial assistance, testing and more.

“Judy Diogo has made it her mission to lead the CDCC as a staple of our community. Under her tenure, the CDCC has never been stronger. It has been a privilege to see her work tirelessly with dedication and passion all these years,” said Brian Stetina, chairman of the board.

A search committee has been charged with leading the process of securing a new leader to fill the role of CDCC president. The committee, comprised of selected CDCC executive committee members and selected past CDCC board chairs, will be responsible for recruiting for the position, evaluating applicants, participating in interviews and, ultimately, recommending finalists to the board of directors.

“The CDCC is the best organization with the best members,” Ms. Diogo added. “I sincerely hope the next President will have as great an experience as I have had with the CDCC.”

Ms. Diogo’s last official day as president will be Dec. 31.