Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives names chair-elect

The Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) announced that Arlington Chamber president and CEO Kate Bates is its 2021-22 chair-elect.

“I’m honored to be assuming the role of chair-elect for VACCE, following a line of tremendous leaders,” Bates said in a statement. “During the pandemic, VACCE convened the chambers of commerce throughout the commonwealth for dialogues with our governor and U.S. senators to advocate for our business community. Our industry is an incredibly collaborative one, and I can’t think of a more supportive community than VACCE.”

The other 2021-22 executive committee members are:

• Chair: Danielle Fitz-Hugh, Chesterfield County Chamber
• Secretary: Grafton deButts, Loudoun Chamber
• Treasurer: Beth Rhinehart, Bristol TN/VA Chamber
• Immediate past president: Teresa Hammond, Alleghany Highlands Chamber

VACCE also announced its 2021-22 board of directors:

• Melissa Miller Haley, Hanover Chamber
• Terry Banez, Greater Williamsburg Business Council
• Sylvia Haines, Hampton Roads Chamber
• John Brandt, Colonial Heights Chamber
• Elizabeth Cromwell, Charlottesville Regional Chamber
• Gina Hilliard, Luray-Page County Chamber
• Angie Cabell, Powhatan Chamber
• Joe Haggerty, Alexandria Chamber
• Jennifer Atwell, Wytheville/Wythe/Bland Chamber
• Debbie Jones, Prince William Chamber
• Joe Martin, Dulles Regional Chamber
• Brian Anderson, ChamberRVA
• Tracy Hale Clark, Louisa County Chamber
• Tracy Lyons, Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber
• Michel Zajur,Virginia Hispanic Chamber
• Erik Rison, VirginiaChamber

VACCE was formed in 1962 as an alliance of chamber executives across the state. The association works to improve the business climate in Virginia and quality of life in its communities by providing leadership development to chamber professionals.