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2026 Night of Champions Awards

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MONTGOMERY, AL – On April 28, 2026, the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (Alabama Chambers) held its Night of Champions during their 2026 Executive Leadership Conference at AC Hotel in Huntsville, AL.

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Congratulations to the 2026 Chamber Professional of the Year - Rick Roden, President and CEO of the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce .
Rick has dedicated more than 30 years to the chamber profession, leading with consistency, vision, and an unwavering commitment to his community and region. Under his leadership, his chamber has become more than an organization—it has become a driver of economic growth, a champion for small businesses, and a connector across industries. His work has advanced workforce development, supported entrepreneurs, strengthened tourism efforts, and positioned his region for long-term success. But his impact doesn’t stop at the local level. He has stepped into leadership roles across our state and beyond—helping guide the direction of our profession through service with Alabama Chambers, contributions to statewide economic initiatives, and engagement with national organizations like the US Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management. He is someone who understands that leadership is not about recognition—it’s about responsibility.
And over the years, he has carried that responsibility with integrity, humility, and purpose.
What stands out most is his commitment to people. His dedication to building strong communities.
His investment in leadership and relationships. And his belief that when we strengthen our local economies, we create opportunity for generations to come. He represents the very best of what it means to be a chamber professional—steady, trusted, and deeply impactful.
It was our privilege and honor to recognize a leader whose career reflects a lifetime of service to his community, his region, and our profession.
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Congratulations to this year’s Chamber Champion, Childersburg Area Chamber President & CEO, John Mark Freeman. This award recognizes the commendable performance and leadership of an emerging Alabama Chamber professional. With less than 4 years of experience as a chamber professional.
John Mark truly embodies leadership, service, and a deep commitment to his community. The work he has accomplished has brought people together, strengthened partnerships, and created new opportunities for growth, leaving a lasting impact on both the chamber and the members they serve.
Through strategic growth, strong partnerships, and his passion for service, their Chamber has been transformed into a thriving, influential organization that continues to drive progress both locally and statewide because of John Mark's leadership.
It was an honor to recognize John Mark for his hard work and dedication to his chamber, his region and our profession.
Congratulations to the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce on renewing their designation as an Alabama Accredited Chamber of Commerce.
Congratulations to the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce on renewing their designation as an Alabama Accredited Chamber of Commerce.

The Alabama Accredited Chamber of Commerce program (AACC) was established in 2016 as one of the most prestigious programs of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. The AACC program sets standards of excellence for chambers in the State of Alabama. Additionally, the program promotes public awareness of the chamber of commerce brand as a community development, business membership organization.  The peer review process benchmarks chambers in six areas: Organization, Mission Focus, Professional Administration, Financial Management, Communications, and Advocacy.

There are currently 31 chambers that hold the AACC designation. This year, 3 chambers renewed their designation including Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, North Baldwin Chamber and Shoals Chamber (not pictured). Receiving their designation for the first time is the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations to Kristy Drake, IOM, AACE Vice President, Investor Relations, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber on receiving her designation as an Alabama Accredited Chamber Executive.
Congratulations to Brenda Dennis, IOM, AACE President & CEO with the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce on receiving her designation as an Alabama Accredited Chamber Executive.
Congratulations to Stan Witherrow ,IOM, AACE President of the Albertville Chamber on receiving his designation as an Alabama Accredited Chamber Executive.

The Alabama Accredited Chamber Executive program (AACE) was established in 2015 to recognize the professional competence of chamber of commerce executives in the State of Alabama.  The AACE designation is based on experience, service to Alabama Chambers, training, continuing education, and professional achievement. AACE designation is intended to strengthen the career development objectives of chamber professionals while also providing personal recognition for their career accomplishments.

To date 29 chamber professionals have earned the designation including four in 2026 Kristy Drake, IOM, Vice President, Investor Relations, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce; Brenda Dennis, IOM, President & CEO, Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce; Stan Witherow, IOM, President, Albertville Chamber of Commerce; and Heather Lebischak, IOM, President & CEO, North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce (not pictured).

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At the Night of Champions Awards Dinner we recognized 3 individuals who have meant so much to so many in our industry. Leissa Hill with the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and Debbie Ashburn with the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce are officially enjoying retirement, and Crystal Brown of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce will be joining their ranks this summer.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Night of Champions Presentation
View Full Photo Gallery From Night of Champions

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