October 7, 2025 (Mississauga, ON) – The Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (“CCEC”) is proud to announce that Acacia Pangilinan, Executive Director of both the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce, and the Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce, has been elected President for the 2025-2026 term.
Acacia Pangilinan, 2025
Pangilinan is widely recognized in the national Chamber Network as a collaborative, results-oriented leader and passionate advocate for local businesses. She has led the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce since 2019, and recently established a partnership with the Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce to support their day-to-day operations and jointly advocate for businesses in the entire region. She is a founding member of CCEC’s Chamber Federation, and also serves as President of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of BC – a vital peer network for Chamber staff in British Columbia.
Pangilinan’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence has received national acclaim. She holds the Gold Level of the Accredited Chamber Executive designation, has continuously maintained her Chamber’s Accreditation through the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada, and in 2024 received the national Chamber Executive of the Year Award for Chambers with 500-999 members.
“This is a pivotal time for Chambers,” said Pangilinan. “Our communities are navigating transformational change, and Chambers must step forward with real leadership and tangible value. By leaning into connection, collaboration, and tools like AI, we can equip Chamber leaders to do what they do best: champion and grow thriving local economies.”
Deneen Belliveau, Executive Director of CCEC, said Pangilinan’s vision is exactly what the Chamber Network needs:
“Acacia’s election as President of CCEC is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to the Chamber Network. She consistently shares her time and expertise to support her peers, and her kind, thoughtful approach to leadership brings people together to achieve meaningful results. Under her stewardship, CCEC will continue to evolve and expand its impact, equipping Chamber professionals with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to lead with confidence into the future.”
About the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada:
CCEC is Canada’s national network for Chamber professionals, providing leadership development and training, practical resources, and peer connection to strengthen Chambers and Boards of Trade across the nation. CCEC’s programs include the Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) designation, virtual training through Chamber Accelerator and Chamber College, national peer networks, research on Chamber trends, and a robust Member Resource Center filled with ready-to-use templates and tools. CCEC’s membership includes 773 Chamber professionals from 359 Chambers, representing 160,701 businesses.
Media Contact:
Acacia Pangilinan, Executive Director
Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce
acacia@kamloopschamber.ca
778-257-5900