LYNCHBURG – Teresa Hammond, Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce, was selected as “Chamber Executive of the Year” by the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives at their annual meeting held June 15-16 in Lynchburg.

The Executive of the Year award recognizes outstanding performance in the field of Chamber of Commerce management in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is presented to an individual who has exhibited characteristics that make him or her a leader both in their chamber and community. Outstanding achievements; effectiveness in addressing challenges; professionalism; program development and implementation; fiscal management; stature in the community; and other special qualities are considered in the nomination process.

Teresa Beale, past president of VACCE and Executive Director of the Franklin-Southampton Chamber presented Ms. Hammond with the award noting that, “We are extremely pleased to have Teresa named as “Exec of the Year. She has been a consummate Chamber professional throughout her career and we are delighted she has received this prestigious recognition from her peers. It is well deserved.”

Ms. Hamond has served as Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber since 2008 and is dedicated to local community projects. She has been involved numerous professional, civic and charitable organizations and under her leadership, in 2016, the Chamber set up a flood relief distribution center for flood victims in the area after the June 2016 flooding.

She currently serves on the VACCE Board of Directors and Executive Committee as Vice President of Membership and also serves on the board of the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation, the Roanoke Regional Partnership, various education-related boards and the WestRock Community Advisory Panel.

The Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE), administered by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, is an alliance of chamber executives representing large and small chambers of commerce from localities throughout the state. The Association also provides a forum and partnership for integrating the work of local chambers of commerce in order to contribute to the growth and development of their local communities and the Commonwealth.