Tony Felker has worked so long with the Frisco Chamber of Commerce that it will be hard to imagine the local business association without him.
Felker, 60, has announced he will retire from his positions of president and CEO on August 17, a symbolic date that marks his 19th anniversary with the organization, which brings together local businesses and advocates for the city of more than 210,000 North Texans.
“I will admit it’s surreal and scary,” Felker said in an interview with The Dallas Express. “I am excited for the next chapter of my life, even though I’m not 100% sure what that’s going to be.”
The chamber’s board of directors named Chief Operating Officer Christal Howard interim co-president/CEO. It also announced a search would take place to fill the role permanently.
“People say you should leave something better than when you found it, and I am very proud to have done just that,” Felker said in a letter to chamber members, announcing his decision. “Working with an amazing team and board of directors over the years, we have grown financially in operations and reserves and achieved our five-star accreditation.”
“We have also evolved into an essential community partner and are a key member of ‘Team Frisco.’ Perhaps most importantly, we also now have the most talented team we have ever had, with the entire staff and board working together to move the organization forward for the betterment of the entire community,” he added.
Felker served for 15 years as president/CEO. He has seen local business opportunities and his organization’s membership grow as the city exploded in population over the course of the last decade.
“I believe that the present moment is opportune for the next individual to seize the reins and take this outstanding team and the organization to new heights,” Felker wrote. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to serve in this role and be a part of Frisco’s amazing story. Thank you for your continued support of the efforts of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce … you’ll be amazed at what lies ahead.”
With two months left on the job, Felker told The Dallas Express that he would continue to encourage the other seven full-time chamber staffers to “do good for Frisco and don’t worry about who gets the credit.”
“Don’t take your foot off the accelerator; otherwise, you’re coasting,” Felker advised.
Howard said she has worked with Felker for six years, including a year as the chamber’s board chair in 2020.
“Tony encourages people — our staffers and local businesses coming to Frisco — and sets them up for success,” Howard told The Dallas Express. “Tony has been a major catalyst in Frisco’s success.”
Felker, who was born in Mexico City before moving to Texas as a teenager, plans to travel after he retires. He wants to golf and visit craft breweries as much as possible. He has visited 46 of 50 states.
“I’m only missing Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, and Vermont,” Felker said. “I want to visit, play golf, and drink craft beer in all four.”
No matter where he goes, Felker said he will still come home to Frisco.
“It’s in the middle of the country, is close to major airports, and is filled with friendly people,” Felker said of Frisco. “Wait a minute! That sounds like a Chamber of Commerce pitch.”
