Ms Turner, the business development manager at Moonshadow-TQC Cruises and vice chair on Destination Port Stephens' board, returns to a leadership role with BPS after acting as director for in 2017 for two terms.

"I really enjoyed my time on the board when I served. To be able to contribute in projects that have since come to fruition was exceptionally rewarding," Ms Turner said.

"Looking at what Business Port Stephens has achieved to date, the new structure of the organisation, the incredible supportive and proactive board and the newly appointed administration coordinator, Kerri Rodley, it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I want to be part of that and I want to be able to contribute."

Ms Anderson has stepped down as president to focus on running her business, Leah Anderson and Associates mortgage finance brokers, and her local government election campaign in which she is running for mayor and east ward as a Labor Party nominee.

She said that it had been a "privilege" to serve as BPS' president for the past four years.

"We have grown from supporting business across Tomaree as the Tomaree Business Chamber, to supporting business right across the LGA as we remodeled and rebranded to Business Port Stephens in 2020," she said.

"We have a strong membership base of 250-plus members and an amazing board of directors who all play very active roles and work on various committees and business precincts.

"I have learnt a lot over the past four years and had the opportunity to build excellent relationships with Destination Port Stephens, Port Stephens Council, and Business Hunter. I have also enjoyed networking with our members via our popular business breakfasts and educational sessions."

Ms Anderson, who will remain a member of the networking organisation, congratulated Ms Turner for her unanimous appointment as president.

"She has all of the right skills and networks to be able to lead the team forward and continue to grow and support our members," she said.

Ms Turner said her focus as president would be "supporting all business sectors in this very turbulent time in the region".

"Experiencing this firsthand, I appreciate the hardships business owners are currently enduring," she said.

"Having an understanding of the business sector and tourism sector; and the cohesion between the two, provides a solid foundation to continue work with.

"With the support of local business' and the board, I look forward serving and working with local businesses in Port Stephens."

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