Sharon Scott, President & CEO, will be leaving The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce in 2021. “Scott has been with the Chamber since 2011, first as a volunteer, then as the Special Initiatives Coordinator, and she served as Interim Executive Director when Catherine Sutton left in 2013. Scott was hired in December of 2013 as Executive Director following a national search, and most recently was promoted to President & CEO,” according to Henry Bass, 2021 Chamber Board Chair. “Sharon shared with the board her plans to leave the Chamber in 2019 at the planning retreat, and it was solidified last October in the 2020 planning retreat.”

When Scott was asked about her tenure with the Chamber, she shared, “I have joked since 2014 that I love this job 98% of the time, but the reality is – that is true. This has been the most rewarding job I have ever held because I serve our business community. I vividly remember in my interview being asked what the biggest challenge you see in this position is? I remember saying the budget; we were still carrying $75,000 in loan debt.  I was also asked how long would I stay if I was hired, and my response was 6-10 years. Leaving now will be the eight-year mark for me.  I am certain this is not a surprise to the business community that I am leaving, the worst kept secret. We hinted at the 2021 Annual Manual in my message. We have adjusted some work structurally to support the sustainability of programming.  I had three goals to achieve during my tenure – pay off the debt, find a home for the Chamber, and create a dues structure that reflects the value of this Chamber. When I leave, I will have achieved these goals.”

Aaron Harris-Kirby, Immediate Past-Chair, offered, “I know I appreciate her willingness to stay through 2021 to have the continuity through the pandemic.”

Scott was asked, what will you miss the most about the job? “I will miss the members. We have some of the best members and board members in the world of chambers of commerce. Over the last ten years working with this Chamber and the last eight, serving as your manager and administrator, I have gotten to know so many of our members on a professional and personal level. I have seen businesses grow and exceed all expectations. I have seen some businesses struggle and close their doors, which makes me sad. I have seen business and community leaders retire or move to other positions in our community. Seeing the growth and understanding why people risk everything to start a business to serve our residents and community has been the most rewarding aspect of this job. Originally, I had planned to leave in 2020, but I could not do that to our members, board, or a new leader; we still had so much pandemic navigation before us”. She quickly added, “but I am not going anywhere, my husband and I love this community.”

When Scott was asked what she was most proud of during her tenure, she replied, “that is a tricky question. There are many things. I love our new location and our sign. I am proud of our Leadership New River Valley program, which received national accolades in 2012 and 2013. I am proud of the Women’s Leadership Conference. I am proud of our Best Places to Work initiative. I am proud of our work to support minority-owned businesses. I am proud of the diversity of our board.  I am pleased with programming that is flexible and positioned to serve our members. But none of this would have happened without the fantastic staff I work with or the hard-working board, ambassadors, and volunteers over the last eight years.” 

Bass added, “since 2013, the Chamber has a strategic direction and now with intermediate goals and a solid annual program of work. Metrics are measured against our goals and communicated monthly to the board and members.   Programming for the Chamber has doubled since 2013. Opportunities to recognize and celebrate the business community have increased by 75%, communications have increased by 50%, networking opportunities have grown by 40%, we host two annual business conferences with more on the horizon, we have made great strides in working with local, state and federal legislators to support the needs of the business community; and created a vehicle to support and enhance the success of minority-owned businesses. The Chamber will be seeking applications for the position immediately, and Scott, who is not involved with the selection process, has agreed to assist with onboarding the new President & CEO.”

Mark Woolwine, 2021 Vice-Chair of The Chamber Board and board member since 2019, shared his sentiments, “the new leader will still have lots of exciting work to do given our strategic direction.  We have a great staff who have been given leadership development opportunities to support the needs of our membership. This is a great opportunity for our Chamber of Commerce and business community. If you know a talented and experienced leader who loves this community, they can learn more about the position by going to the Chamber Website on Friday, July 23.”
 
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce serves Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and all of Montgomery County. The MCCC supports approximately 600 local businesses through marketing, educational, and network-building opportunities. For more information, visit the chamber website at www.montgomerycc.org, Facebook page, or call The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce at 540.382.3020.