St. Petersburg, Fla. – Today the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) announced that David R. Punzak, St. Petersburg office managing shareholder of Carlton Fields, was elected to serve a one-year term as Chamber Chair. Punzak will assume his new role in January 2012.

“The Chamber’s current leadership has built a solid foundation that will play a critical role to the ongoing success of the St. Pete business community, especially in this turbulent economy,” said Punzak. “I am honored to serve as Chair of the Chamber, and I look forward to leading the Chamber and our business community as we continue to provide added value to our members.”

SPACC President and CEO Chris Steinocher added, “Dave has been a member of the Chamber for more than 25 years and has held many leadership roles during that time. His strong ties to the St. Petersburg community and business expertise as an M&A lawyer make him an invaluable partner to the Chamber and its members. We are excited for him to join our leadership team.”

Punzak will succeed current SPACC chair, Mark Wimberly. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Dave and the Chamber,” said Wimberly. “There is no one better than Dave to help the Chamber continue its progress in enhancing its value to our members.”

Punzak and Steinocher have plans to get back to the basics at the Chamber. They plan to reach out to their members and ask how the Chamber can help grow their business; to listen to their members; and to advocate for their members.

In addition to his commitment to the SPACC, Punzak currently serves on the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and on the Board of the Heroes of the St. Pete Police, Inc. He also chairs the Development Review Commission for the City of St. Petersburg, and serves as a Board Trustee of the Salvador Dali Museum.

At Carlton Fields, Punzak is a member of the firm’s Corporate, Securities and Tax and Real Estate and Finance practice groups. He maintains a diverse transactional practice and regularly represents clients in finance transactions, mergers and acquisitions, leasing transactions, and general business matters.