The Shadow
The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has announced that Josh Taylor will succeed Teresa Hammond as Executive Director, effective April 1, 2024. Josh currently serves as the Director of Marketing & Special Projects for the Chamber and has been an employee at the organization since 2017. With over 10 years of Marketing & Communications experience and 7 years of non-profit leadership experience, Taylor is well-equipped to hit the ground running and make an immediate positive impact in the local community.
“While all candidates brought unique and noteworthy experience to the table, Josh Taylor’s working knowledge of Chamber initiatives and his overall passion and excitement to see the Alleghany Highlands grow and thrive, set him apart as the next leader of the Chamber. We look forward to Josh’s leadership and energy as he leads our incredible Chamber team.” Says Kathleen All, Search Committee Chairperson and Past President of the Chamber Board of Directors.
Serving under the leadership of longtime Executive Director Teresa Hammond, Josh has developed strong relationships with the Chamber’s membership and assisted business owners & non-profit organizations in the region through collaboration, marketing support, and strategic planning. Additionally, he has been the Director of the Chamber’s Outdoor Event Series, which has grown in participation each year under his leadership, welcoming visitors to the Alleghany Highlands from all 50 states. Taylor has also worked to invigorate the Alleghany Highlands Young Professionals Group, forming a strong planning committee which works to provide educational and engaging opportunities for young professionals in the region.
“I am excited that Josh will be taking on the leadership role with the Chamber. He is passionate about the area and works diligently to grow our outdoor events and strengthen our marketing efforts. We will be working on a succession plan to insure a seamless transition. Please join with me in congratulating Josh and supporting him as he works to grow the Chamber and the programs and services it provides to the area,” says Teresa Hammond, current Executive Director of the Chamber.
In addition to his experience at the Chamber, Josh is a current member of the Board of Directors of the Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge and has formerly served as the Marketing & Sponsorship Sales Manager for the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV and the Director of Marketing & Communications at the Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill, NC. Josh is a lifelong resident of the Alleghany Highlands, a graduate of Alleghany High School and holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Tourism, Marketing & Special Events with honors from Radford University. “Being named the Executive Director of the Chamber is a dream come true for me. I am so excited to continue building on the success of the Chamber under Teresa’s leadership and bring new, creative ideas to the organization so that we can continue to enhance the quality of life of our local residents, the opportunities for our visitors, and the business environment for our local entrepreneurs” said Taylor.
