CULLMAN, Ala. -The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center announced Friday that Peggy Smith will continue to serve the Chamber in a new consulting role as community relations manager, beginning June 3, 2019.
“We are pleased Peggy has agreed to accept this new role with the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce,” said TJ Franey, chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “Peggy has spent her entire career supporting economic development and improving the quality of life in Cullman County. We believe her leadership and experience will be instrumental to the Chamber during this transition period.”
Smith spent more than 30 years as the director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency, bringing unprecedented growth to Cullman County and establishing Cullman as one of the leading communities for economic development in the country. She has worked the past two years for the Chamber as a strategic planning coordinator.
“I am honored that the Chamber has asked me to serve our community during this transition period,” said Smith, a past Chamber chairman. “I love our community and want to see it move forward as we have in the past. My focus during this time will be to work with our members and partners to develop and cultivate relationships that will serve as a vision for our future, and will be helpful to the new CEO when they are in place.”
Franey said the Chamber would spend as much time as necessary in its search for a new president and CEO. Leah Bolin resigned from the dual positions effective May 31, 2019 after seven years with the Chamber.
“We want the Chamber’s members and community partners to have input as we begin the search for a new senior executive,” Franey said. “We have an amazing staff of talented professionals who played a critical role in the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center recently being named one of the top four chambers of commerce in the country. The staff will continue to carry out the Chamber’s programs and activities. Their efforts, combined with Peggy’s leadership, will ensure the Chamber continues to operate as one of the best in the country.”
