Committees & Volunteers

Chamber Resources Division
Vice-Chair Ned Butler

Ambassadors - Chair Jocelyn Wykoff 

Goal: Serve as the liaison between the chamber board and membership

These volunteer leaders represent member businesses and help promote a positive community image, assist in welcoming new Chamber members, contacting current members and provide leadership for Chamber events and retention efforts. The goal is to have 24 active ambassadors.

Membership Development – Chair Carla Joyner

Goal: Improve Membership Retention, Recruitment & Benefits Programs

This group supports the member investment plan levels and benefits packages and works on strategies for retention and recruitment. Through a coordinated effort with staff, this committee distributes treat bags annually to our members. 

Marketing & Communications – Chair Eli Lussiana

Goal: Increase awareness of the Chamber, its events, benefits and activities

This committee works with staff to develop chamber on-line and printed marketing strategies and goals. Marketing and communication efforts include but are not limited to: Web-Site(s), E-News, Social Media.

Special Events Task Force

Goal: Raise Non-Dues Revenue through fundraising while providing networking opportunities for the members

The event task force groups meet to plan, execute and evaluate each event and members can choose to serve on one or multiple event planning groups. 

• Annual Banquet
  • Chair: Patti Souther
  • Staff Contact: Teri Smiley 

• Golf Tournament
  • Chair: 
  • Staff Contact: Michelle Lee

• Clay Shoot
  • Chair: Kathy Ivie
  • Staff Contact: Michelle Lee

• Walton 5K & Half Marathon
  • Chair: David Dickinson
  • Staff Contact: Michelle Lee

• Casino Night & Auction
  • Chairs: Kenny Smiley & Amanda Lussiana
  • Staff Contact: Michelle Lee

• Buy Local Holiday Expo
  • Chair: 
  • Staff Contact: Teri Smiley

Community Development Division
Vice-Chair Ammie Elliott

*Education Committee – Chair Leslie Watson

Goal: Support Public and Private High Schools as well as Higher Education

This group plans and implements the annual County-Wide Career & College Expo, Annual STAR Banquet and runs the Reality Check Program. This group works closely with the Walton Proud Initiative.

Governmental Affairs Committee   - Chair Melissa Shannahan

Goal: Build strong relationships with city, county, state and federal officials

Host political candidate forums for city, county, state and federal elections.  The group organizes participants for the State Chamber D.C. fly-in event. 

*Leadership Walton – Chair Kevin Little

Goal: To develop new and talented leaders for Walton County 

Community members must be nominated and selected to be part of this group which meets for nine sessions to explore Walton County, building better leaders for our community. The class size of 20-24 total annually. 

*Walton Proud – Chair Callen Moore

Goal: Promotions of A+ Education in Walton County

This committee will work to promote the Walton Proud Brand.

*Youth Leadership Walton Program – Chairs Marsha Queen & Kathy Ivie

Goal: To improve student awareness of Walton County and build leaders

This program is a combined effort of Leadership Walton Alumni and the chamber. It is a 2-year program beginning the high school Junior year with CEO level leadership training, followed by community awareness programs for the students their Senior year. The program is county-wide with participation from all Walton County schools.

Economic Development
Vice-Chair Shane Short

Business Council – Chair Susan Boss

Goal: Promotion of local business members to maximize their business growth   

This committee promotes our member companies through recognition at chamber luncheon events and handles the nominations, selection and presentation. This group organizes seminars and workshops for the membership and coordinates our Buy Local Campaign. 

Existing Industry Council – Chair Dessa Morris

Goal: To bring focus and awareness to our local existing industries

In an effort to bring more community awareness to our local industries, we host a minimum of one Industry Tour annually, inviting elected officials and chamber members to attend. In addition, this group offers training opportunities on specific industry topics as needed or requested. 

Tourism Council – Chair Sadie Krawczyk

Goal: Promote Walton County as a tourism destination

This committee works on tourism promotions for Walton County and its tourist attractions, including researching areas of interest and promotion county-wide.