Outgoing chamber leaders honored by state association

The Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives has honored two retiring leaders with lifetime achievement awards.

Prince William Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Debbie Jones and Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Joyce Waugh received the awards during the VACCE’s 2022 executive leadership conference, held Wednesday in Chester, according to a news release.

Jones announced her retirement in April and will serve in her position until the end of the year. She served 17 years as president and CEO of the Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber, which merged in 2010 with the Prince William Regional Chamber to form the Prince William Chamber. Jones has led the Prince William Chamber since July 2014 after joining the chamber in 2010 as chief operating officer. She is a graduate of the 2007 cohort of Lead Virginia.

“I am honored to be recognized for the good work we have been able to accomplish with the Prince William Chamber over the past 32 years,” Jones said in a statement. “I appreciate VACCE’s continued support and look forward to my next adventure.”

Waugh announced her retirement, effective Dec. 31, in June. She joined the Roanoke regional chamber in July 2000 as vice president of public policy and strategic issues and became president and CEO in October 2008. She spent the previous half of her career as public relations director for Roanoke Valley Psychiatric Center (now part of LewisGale Health System) and as assistant director for the Roanoke County Department of Economic Development. Waugh was named VACCE’s 2012 Chamber Executive of the Year.

“It’s truly humbling and such an honor to be recognized by VACCE in the profession I’ve loved for 22 years — half of my 44-year career in Virginia’s Blue Ridge,” Waugh told Virginia Business. “VACCE recognizes excellence in the chamber profession. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from my fellow chamber leaders through VACCE.”

The VACCE lifetime achievement award recognizes performance in the field of chamber of commerce leadership. Achievements, effectiveness in addressing challenge,  professionalism, program development and implementation, fiscal management, community stature and other special qualities factored into the process, the VACCE said.