Chamber Appoints Megan Smith as Vice President of Business Development

Smith was selected following a nationwide search for this new position. She served for over a decade as President of the Perry Chamber of Commerce in Perry GA. In that capacity, she led her organization through numerous successful business and communitydevelopment projects, including programs specifically designed to help existing business and to help attract new business. The Perry Chamber is located in the geographic center of the State of Georgia and has a thriving tourism economy due to its retail mix, historic setting, location, and its status as the home of the National Fairgrounds.  

 

"We are thrilled to have someone of Megan's caliber joining our team," said Chamber President & CEO Ed Rodriguez. "I've known Megan since the early 2000's and have worked with her on many projects and in many capacities, ranging from membershipdevelopment to legislative advocacy in the Georgia State Capitol. Her experience and abilities will make her a perfect fit not only for the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, but as someone who can fully grasp and help us address the very unique issues we face here in Coastal Alabama." 

 

Smith is a graduate of the US Chamber Institute for Organization Management (IOM) and has been actively involved in statewide chamber professional and economic development activities and organizations in Georgia. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL and her Masters of Public Administration degree at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA. 

 

In her most recent capacity, she served as a Senior Manager for a Department of Homeland Security contractor in Washington DC. Her extensive background also includes Tech Sales and Support for Digital Equipment Corporation and software support, installation, maintenance and daily operations of a warfare system that supported the B-1B Bomber at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, GA - a position that required her to have Top Secret clearance at the base. 

 

The new Chamber position is made possible as a result of a successful capital campaign held last year to fund Advantage Coastal Alabama, the Chamber's 5-Year Plan for Business Development. Advantage Coastal Alabama will focus on five strategic areas, including Existing Business Support & Advocacy, Transportation & Infrastructure, Education & Workforce Development, Conservation & Natural Resources, and New Business Development.  

 

Smith will be relocating to Coastal Alabama and will begin her position in April. 

The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is a business-based, volunteer-driven, member-supported association working full-time to preserve, enhance and expand the business environment in Coastal Alabama. We do this by serving as a vehicle for building coalitions, furthering business advocacy, championing education in our region, promoting community enrichment and leadership in events and programs, and by providing our members with a comprehensive package of benefits and services to maximize their success. In doing so, we help our members and our community maximize desired results beyond individually attainable levels!