Brenda Canup works first day as Interim President of Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce

Brenda Canup, left, is the Interim President of the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce, as Laura Lee Sylvester retired from the position. Sylvester will help Canup for a couple of weeks to make the transition even smoother. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

The Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce was officially under new leadership Tuesday.

Brenda Canup worked her first day as Interim President, taking over for Laura Lee Sylvester, who retired after more than 12 years in the position. Canup has plenty of experience with the Chamber, being a member since 1990, along with a strong history with Lenoir Memorial Hospital as a retired director of the Foundation and Kinston High School as a former principal.

“We expect operations to continue running smoothly, events to continue and we would love to see all of our members help,” Canup said. “I’m here to ensure a good transition — I was hired by the Board of Directors and I’ll report about activities along the way.”

Canup didn’t start solo, as Sylvester has looked to work with her over the next couple of weeks.

“I’m spending a lot of time with Laura Lee Sylvester, learning about the day-to-day operations,” Canup said. “It’s especially important coming with some of the events and activities coming up between the time she leaves and the new director arrives.”

Sylvester said she’s confident in Canup’s abilities.

“She was a very successful employee for Lenoir Memorial Hospital and can bring to the Chamber her years of experience in this time while they’re looking for a new president,” Sylvester said. “I’m just helping to get her feet under her. The Chamber is an exciting place and it’s in good hands with her. I hope she enjoys it as much as I do.”