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Professional of the Year

The CCAA Chamber Professional of the Year Award recognizes the exemplary performance and leadership of an Alabama chamber executive with their local chamber. The award recognizes the long-term professional career achievements of the candidate.

Criteria to be evaluated includes experience, training and education, service to Alabama Chambers and other professional organizations, service to chamber colleagues, ethical conduct in dealing with others, a highly developed sense of professionalism, leadership and an abiding desire to advance the profession of chamber management.

Non-professional criteria to be evaluated can include: non-chamber related community participation, civic participation, religious/charitable/educational related activities, etc.

Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged.

An out-of-state review panel of chamber executives will serve as the review panel and selection committee.

To nominate a chamber professional, complete the nomination form below.

For Questions or Concerns:
Paige Hutto

Submission Deadline for 2026 has passed. Look for 2027 information soon.

The Chamber Professional of the Year Award will be presented at the Executive Leadership Conference Awards Dinner "Alabama Chambers Night of Champions".

2026 Professional of the Year

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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.

Past Recipients

2015 Linda Lewis Chamber of Commerce Walker County
2016 Diane Poole Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce
2017 Kirk Mancer The Chamber of Shelby County
2018 Jim Page The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
2019 Heather Brothers New Etowah Chamber
2020 Crystal Brown Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce
2021 Theresea Hulgan Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce
2022 Dean Mitchell Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce
2023 Meredith Drennen Birmingham Business Alliance
2024 Nan Baldwin Hoover Chamber
2025 Laura Strickland Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce

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