CDCC names Vendetti new president

DOVER – The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC) announced Tuesday that Dina Carol Vendetti, the chamber’s marketing and communications director, will be its next president.

Dina Carol Vendetti | PHOTO COURTESY OF CDCC

In September, longtime CDCC President Judy Diogo announced her retirement effective Dec. 31, setting into motion a search process for the Kent County-based chamber’s next leader.

A search committee, comprised of selected CDCC Executive Committee members and selected past chamber board chairs, recruited for the position, evaluated and interviewed applicants, and ultimately recommended the promotion from within its ranks.

Vendetti has served as the chamber’s director of marketing and communications since July 2019. Prior to that she served for 34 years in school leadership positions, working as both teacher and principal. She helped start the small Dover-based St. John’s Lutheran School and worked there as principal and an educator for more than 20 years.

In 2010, she earned a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Innovation from Wilmington University. Prior to joining the chamber’s staff, she was very involved with its volunteer programs, including graduating from its Leadership Central Delaware (LCD) and Leadership Mastery programs. Vendetti has also served on the LCD Steering Committee since 2004.

In 2011, she was named the CDCC’s Small Business Person of the Year and six years later was named the CDCC’s Honorary Mayor.

“The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce plays a significant role here in Central Delaware,” Vendetti said in a statement announcing the move. “I count it an absolute honor to be given the opportunity to lead this organization. I look forward to collaborating with our community partners and our business members as we carry on the essential work of our chamber.”

Vendetti’s first official day as president will be Jan. 3, following a New Year holiday break. Diogo will be retained part-time as a consultant to assist with the transition.