Women Mean Business: LeadHer Lunch Series - August 2025

The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce’s Women Mean Business Committee is proud to present a new event series, Women Mean Business: LeadHer Lunch Series. This series is designed to connect, inspire, and empower women in business. This “power hour” style event is your opportunity to network with other professionals and hear from dynamic local leaders who are making an impact in our community.

Meet our Speaker - Captain Chandra Newman, NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer
Captain Chandra Newman | Commanding Officer, NAS Pensacola
Captain Chandra Newman is a native of Inverness, Florida. She enlisted in the Navy May 2001 and commissioned from Officer Candidate School in November 2002 after completing a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Troy State University in Education, summa cum laude. She earned her wings of gold August 2004. Newman graduated from the Naval War College earning her Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies focusing on Eurasia and has completed the University of Virginia Darden School of Business Executive Education program.
Newman’s assignments started with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 including 2005 Pakistan Earthquake Relief operations in Kashmir and detachments onboard USS Bataan (LHD-5), USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), USS Iwo Jima, (LHD-7) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). She served as an Aviation Safety Officer and Standardization Officer at HSC-2 and provided Presidential support to Camp David. Newman was the Assistant Navigator of the Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) earning Officer of the Deck and Command Duty Officer Underway qualifications. She served as the Operations Officer Department Head at HSC-25 in Yigo, Guam. Her tour included Detachment Officer in Charge for Operation Damayan and Talisman Saber as well as joint operations with U.S. Army 3-2 General Support Aviation Battalion in the Republic of Korea. In her joint tour, she was the Executive Officer of U.S. European Command C4 Directorate and Joint Cyber Center.
Newman commanded HSC-5 Nightdippers of CVW-7, deploying around the world with Carrier Strike Group 12 and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) earning the 2019 Battle “E” supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Sentinel.
More recently, Newman was a Secretary of Defense Executive Fellow with Raytheon Intelligence & Space in Arlington, Virginia integrating with the Vice President of Maritime Dominance and the Vice President of Strategy, Campaigns, and Analysis. Newman most recently served as Naval Aviation’s Leadership, Education, Growth, Advocacy, Culture and Youth Outreach (LEGACY) Director at CNAF Headquarters.
Newman assumed command of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola on November 15, 2024.
Her personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), as well as additional unit and personal awards.

Grab a friend or colleague, bring your business cards, and join us for this exciting and uplifting luncheon. You won't want to miss the chance to hear from our area's inspiring women leaders while making meaningful connections with others who are just as passionate about growth and leadership as you are. Seats are limited, get your tickets now and be part of something powerful! For more information on available sponsorships, click here!