Longtime Parma Resident Named New Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

Dorothea 'Dottie' Wenger brings decades of community experience to the role.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:22pm

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A highly detailed, photorealistic studio photograph of a polished brass trophy or award resting on a clean, white background, representing the prestigious recognition of Dottie Wenger's new leadership role.A prestigious award symbolizes the honor and responsibility of Dottie Wenger's new role leading the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce.Parma Today

Dorothea 'Dottie' Wenger, a lifelong Parma resident, has been named the new Executive Director of the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce. Wenger, a 1981 graduate of Parma Senior High School, has spent over 30 years working in education and the past decade as a community liaison, giving her deep ties to the local business community.

Why it matters

Wenger's appointment comes at a critical time for the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce as it looks to rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic. Her extensive experience and connections within the community will be valuable assets as the chamber works to reinvigorate its annual events and partnerships with local organizations.

The details

In her new role, Wenger plans to bring back many of the chamber's pre-pandemic events, including the annual black-tie gala scheduled for October 3rd at the recently opened Ridgewood Golf Club & Event Center. Other annual events like 'Meet the Mayors' and Rib 'N Rock will also be returning. Wenger is excited to collaborate with community groups like We Are Parma Proud and Young Professionals of Parma to further the chamber's reach.

  • Wenger was named the new Parma Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director in April 2026.
  • The chamber's annual black-tie gala is scheduled for October 3, 2026.
  • The 'Meet the Mayors' event is scheduled for April 29, 2026.
  • The Rib 'N Rock event is scheduled for June 4-7, 2026.

The players

Dorothea 'Dottie' Wenger

The new Executive Director of the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce, a lifelong Parma resident and 1981 graduate of Parma Senior High School.

We Are Parma Proud

A community organization that the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with.

Young Professionals of Parma

A community organization that the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with.

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What they’re saying

“The reason I was interested in the position is because I have lived in the Parma area all my life. I grew up on Orchard Avenue in Parma and I currently live in Parma Heights. I like giving back to the community where I grew up. It's also just great to collaborate with others who care about community as much as I do.”

— Dorothea 'Dottie' Wenger, Parma Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

“We have so many things that the chamber did in the golden years, pre-Covid, that we're bringing back. We're taking the best parts of our past, but we're also looking to the future.”

— Dorothea 'Dottie' Wenger, Parma Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

“I'm excited, it's still kind of a pinch-me thing. I'm a people person, I love the community. We have our flaws just like every other community, but there are so many good things going on and I want to be part of it.”

— Dorothea 'Dottie' Wenger, Parma Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

What’s next

Wenger will oversee the planning and execution of the chamber's upcoming annual events, including the black-tie gala on October 3rd, the 'Meet the Mayors' event on April 29th, and the Rib 'N Rock festival from June 4-7.

The takeaway

Dorothea 'Dottie' Wenger's appointment as the new Parma Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director represents a homecoming for a lifelong community member who is eager to leverage her decades of experience to reinvigorate the chamber's programming and partnerships. Her deep roots in Parma and passion for the city make her well-positioned to guide the organization through its post-pandemic recovery.