The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce announced new staff members who have joined iys team in the past several months, as well as several promotions.

“It takes a dynamic, top-level professional team to promote our region’s economic growth and exceed business member needs,” said Christy Gillenwater, Chattanooga Chamber president and CEO.

“Our staff’s work with our volunteer leaders and community business professionals makes it possible for us to deliver high quality member services, promote regional economic growth and propel talent development, equity and inclusion and other crucial initiatives.”

New team members:

Ben Cairns, Account Executive: Mr. Cairns has lived in Chattanooga for 21 years and holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Tennessee and a master’s degree from The University of Georgia. As an account representative at the Chamber, Mr. Cairns engages companies that will benefit and grow through their Chamber memberships. 

Austin Corcoran, Member Services Coordinator: A native Texan, Mr. Corcoran joins the Chamber staff after three years with SunTrust Bank. An alumnus of Bryan College, he serves as the liaison between the Chamber and 170 volunteers involved with the Chamber’s 12 area Councils.

Josselyn Nielsen, Executive Assistant: Ms. Nielsen is a relative newcomer to the Chattanooga area. She previously served in the United States Navy, attended Utah Valley University and has significant community-based volunteer experience. She serves as assistant to Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater.

Brandon Pingry, Director of Membership: Pingry recently moved to Chattanooga from Raleigh, North Carolina. He attended the University of Alabama and has more than 10 years of business development and sales experience. He will support companies interested in Chamber membership as well as manage account executives and retention efforts.

Amanda Stewart, Business Intelligence Specialist: Stewart hails from Dalton, Ga., and studied business at Dalton State. After working in the power industry for over 15 years, she recently relocated to Chattanooga from Atlanta. As Business Intelligence Specialist, she coordinates data analysis to support business decision making.

Promotions:

Sandra Brewer, Vice President of Membership and Investor Relations: A longtime Chattanooga resident and graduate of Covenant College, Ms. Brewer was a Chamber volunteer for 10 years prior to joining the Chamber team over six years ago. Ms. Brewer now splits her time between the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber Foundation, focusing on revenue growth and engaging top investors. Brewer continues to lead and direct the activities of the Membership Department.

Kerry Beth Carico, Events Manager: Ms. Carico handles all major annual events, AM/After Hours networking and the Chamber Champions sponsorship program. A Nashville native, she served as lead assistant to a well-known music artist prior to joining the Chamber, managing album release events, private parties and a global tour. She attended the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

Amanda Ellis, Marketing & Communications Manager: A Chamber team member for five years, Ms. Ellis is a Belmont University (Nashville) grad and Chattanooga native. She manages the Chamber’s communications internship program, serves as copywriter and managing editor of Business Trend magazine and assists with media relations locally and beyond as her team promotes our region.

Jeremy Henderson, Creative Director: Mr. Henderson has worked with the Chattanooga Chamber for more than a decade. An expert graphic designer, he’s a native of Cohutta, Georgia and a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design. In his new role as Creative Director, Mr. Henderson will continue to advance marketing communications strategies to promote our region and manage two Chamber marketing team members.

Eric Lisica, Interactive Content Designer: Mr. Lisica’s Chamber tenure is seven years. As Interactive Content Designer, he creates digital content including video and the Chamber’s Chattanooga Works podcast, in addition to leading email marketing and website updates.

Cameron Lusk, Sales Executive: After supporting the Chamber as a runner and assistant for two years, Mr. Lusk will now focus part-time on EXPO and other sponsorship sales as well as ancillary products. Mr. Lusk is from Nashville and attended the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.

Meredith Rivers, Director of Member & Investor Relations: Rivers is now responsible for directing programs and services that benefit members, including the Chamber’s 12 Councils, Chamber Ambassadors, non-dues revenue and front office operations. Ms. Rivers will soon celebrate seven years with the Chamber. She’s from Chattanooga, graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and has previous nonprofit development experience.

Lori Slatton, Executive Assistant: Ms. Slatton has served the Chamber for nearly 25 years, and now transitions to supporting investor relations activities.

Other recent hires include Molly Blankenship, Vice President of Talent Initiatives, and Chris Gobble, Senior Director of Public Policy.