Executive Leadership Conference 2025 Speakers
Loren Gibson
The FUND
Loren Gibson is the Director of Program Development for the Alabama Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation Fund. For the past eight years, she has been working with independent agents across the state to provide best-in-class coverage to businesses that make up Alabama’s economic engine. She is the former Vice President for Investor Relations for the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. For most of her career, she has been responsible for retaining and growing revenue and community awareness for the organizations that she has served, which contribute to the economic vitality of Alabama. Loren was recently recognized by the Young Agents of the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents Association as the first Mentor of the Year for her efforts in mentoring young female professionals in her industry and beyond.
Loren was a featured columnist for Just For Women magazine and The Huntsville Times, and she is currently writing her first book.
Marquis R Forge
Founder and CEO, MRaine Industries, LLC
Marquis R. Forge was born and raised in Autaugaville, Alabama. One of seven children reared by single-mother, Jessie Ovetta Adkins. He graduated Valedictorian from Autaugaville High School (Class of 1995). He received an Academic Scholarship to the University of Alabama and studied Biology, Consumer Sciences, and Industrial Engineering. From an athletic standpoint, Marquis was invited as a Walk-On for the University of Alabama Football Team. Marquis has been married to Nannette Forge for 26 years and has three children, (Chris, Courtney, and Makiah).
Marquis began an automotive career at an early age. His brothers encouraged automotive mechanics and hands-on experience. Marquis officially started his automotive career in 1997. Throughout the years, Marquis has held several positions within Injection Molding, Brazing, and Representation within the Automotive Manufacturing Industry. During this time, Marquis established a concrete foundation for quality which has been his area of expertise. Read More
Patty VanderWal
President, Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce
Patty VanderWal is currently President of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce and has been in that position since March 2014. She joined the Prattville Chamber as the Finance Director/Office Manager in 2008. Prior to her position at the Chamber, she was a small business owner for 8 years and served on the Prattville Chamber Board of Directors. She has more than 25-plus years of accounting and business experience through her work at various corporations.
Patty is a Prattville native and graduate of Autauga County High School. She received her bachelor’s in business administration majoring in Accounting at Auburn University at Montgomery. She is a Certified Public Accountant.
Patty is an Alabama Accredited Chamber Executive through the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. She is also a graduate of the Institute of Organizational Management (IOM), a professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She currently serves on the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (Alabama Chambers) Board of Directors, the Leadership Autauga Board of Directors, the Board of Management for the Prattville YMCA, and is also a member of the Noon Prattville Rotary Club. She most recently was accepted into a fellowship for Education and Workforce Development with the US Chamber of Commerce.
Patty is passionate about her family, community, and Auburn University football.
Craig Johnson
Director of Workforce Development Training & Advocacy - Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
Trainer - Holistic Performance Group
Craig is an experienced senior leader in various areas of corporate and community leadership, leadership coaching, training & development, and business & quality management. Craig is driven by the idea that training builds knowledge, knowledge builds power, and knowledge with action builds success. His passion for the growth, development, and success of people within their role, their community, and beyond is what drives his success. Prior to joining AMLA, he served as President & CEO / Executive Director of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and worked in partnership with the E-Center Decatur training Business Development & Entrepreneurial skills for local business owners within the Chamber community. His passion and work ethic are clearly shown through the various programs, community events, training activities, and leadership development he has delivered throughout his career. Craig is also the founder of Life Center Fellowship Ministries in Moulton, AL, which he founded in 2020. He volunteers and serves on various local community boards and committees. He currently also serves as a board member for GoodCulture, a charity organization with a special focus of helping frontline hospitality and tourism employees through difficult life events.
As Director of Workforce Development Training & Advocacy for AMLA, Craig is focused on setting and achieving the organization’s long- term vision to help develop the workforce within the tourism industry. He is responsible for the development and implementation of various training programs and certifications to help improve the overall competencies, effectiveness, and behavioral results that directly impact the tourism industry in North Alabama.
Craig attended Mobile University and has achieved numerous training certifications/designations over the years including his MCT – Master Certified Trainer and CLDP – Certified Learning & Development Professional credentials. He received his Flawless Delivery Hospitality Certification from Calhoun Community College in 2021, and achieved his TMP & FEP from the Southeastern Tourism Society’s Marketing College.
Kristy Wright Drake
Vice President, Investor Relations Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
Kristy Wright Drake is the Vice President of Investor Relations with the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. She is directly responsible for the annual sponsorship campaign known as ChamberON and also works closely with the Chamber's Members, HREGI Prospects and Investors. Kristy has been with the Chamber of Commerce for the last 10 years. Prior to working with the Chamber of Commerce, she spent 13+ years in the healthcare industry serving as a Physician Liaison with the community, patients, and other practices. Kristy also served as a Chamber Ambassador & Emissary for 13 years.Kristy graduated from West Morgan High School and received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of North Alabama.Kristy is married to Rodney Drake from Trinity, Alabama. He is a trade development manager for Southern Glaziers Wine & Spirits. Together, they have a fourteen-year-old son, Harrison, who is active in everything boy, loves to play soccer and keeps them both on their toes!
Heather Lebischak
President & CEO of the North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Heather Lebischak serves as President & CEO of the North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, representing more than 150 businesses across multiple cities in North Jefferson. She is a passionate community builder, leading signature events, helping launch the North Jefferson Innovation Center, and championing professional development for entrepreneurs and students alike.
In addition to her Chamber leadership, Heather teaches group fitness and is devoted to her family, weaving her personal values of faith, collaboration, and service into her work. Her mission is to strengthen connections, advocate for local businesses, and create opportunities that uplift the entire region.
Scott Harper
Scott Harper has over 26 years of non-profit experience ranging from the Conroe / Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce to the YMCA’s in Tampa and Houston. Scott played football and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Sports Management and Recreation. Most importantly, while in Hattiesburg, he met his wife. He started his professional career with Wal-Mart’s corporate fitness center in Bentonville, AR. Within the YMCA’s, he served in roles of Executive Director, District Vice President, and Vice President of Major Gifts. Scott has worked over 8 years within the Chamber world where he is known as a relationship builder, strong community leader and he simply loves supporting others. When not “officially” working, Scott is usually seen giving back to the community while serving as a volunteer on a variety of non-profit boards and helping other community organizations. Scott has been married to his college sweetheart, Jennifer, for 30 years and they have two children. Their daughter Laine, is a Baylor graduate and works for Cythnia Woods Mitchell Pavillion and their son Ethan, recently graduated Texas Tech and just started his career with Zimmer Biomet. Scott and Jennifer reside in Montgomery with their pack of rescue dogs, cats and their horses. In all of their spare time, they run a horse boarding facility called Revel Ranch.
Hardy Smith, IOM
Hardy Smith, IOM is author of Stop The Nonprofit Board Blame Game. As a consultant, executive coach, and speaker he works with Chambers of Commerce, Associations, and Nonprofits who want to benefit from a positive, productive, and fully engaged board.
Hardy is a faculty member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management.
His professional affiliations include: National Speakers Association, ACCE, ASAE, BoardSource, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Florida Society of Association Executives.
Learn more about Hardy by visiting his website: www.HardySmith.com
Teri Smiley
President, Walton County Chamber of Commerce
Owner, Starfish Partnerships, LLC
With more than 30 years of experience leading the Walton County Chamber of Commerce in Georgia, Teri Smiley brings unmatched energy, insight, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build strong chambers, boards, and business communities. Under her leadership, Walton County's chamber membership more than tripled, its budget grew significantly, the chamber purchased its own building and new programs—including Leadership Walton, Youth Leadership, Reality Check, and the Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament—were created and expanded to meet the needs of a growing community.
Teri has served as Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Executives Association and as Chair of U.S. Chamber Institute, Southeast Site. She is a Georgia Certified Chamber Executive and she was recognized as the Executive of the Year from GACCE in 2015.
In 2021, Teri launched Starfish Partnerships, where she now works with chambers, nonprofits, businesses, and leadership teams to help them find clarity, strengthen relationships, and build strategies that actually work. She's known for her down-to-earth delivery, contagious positivity, and the ability to turn even the most complex challenges into approachable, engaging steps forward. Whether she’s facilitating a board retreat, training new chamber execs, or helping a team work better together through CliftonStrengths, Teri brings both structure and heart to every session.
As she transitions from her full-time chamber role—moving to part-time in 2026 and officially retiring in June 2028—Teri is expanding her work through Starfish Partnerships. Her mission is to help others find their purpose, lead with confidence and connection, and guide organizations toward a future where they can truly thrive.
Teri is a certified Gallup CliftonStrengths Coach, a John Maxwell Team member, and a passionate believer that one person can make a difference—and that every ripple matters.
Anissa Starnes, IOM
Chief Impact Officer
YGM, LLC
Anissa Starnes has more than 30 years of experience in non-profit and association management with most of those years being spent working with chambers of commerce. She currently serves as Chief Impact Officer for YGM, a nationwide consultancy firm that assists non-profits with non-dues revenue development, professional development and nationwide executive searches.
Anissa began her career at the Charlotte Chamber. After ten years in Charlotte, she served as President/CEO for multiple chambers in the Carolinas. She also served as President/CEO for the well-known girl’s empowerment nonprofit, Girls on the Run. In the past ten years, she has educated more than 40,000 nonprofits, chambers, and small business owners on communications, marketing, leadership, board development and fund-development.
Anissa is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Institute for Organization Management program and South Carolina Economic Development Institute at the College of Charleston. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Arizona-Tucson and University of Georgia.
She and her husband, Jerry, enjoy sipping good bourbons and hiking, sometimes at the same time. They are die-hard Carolina Panther fans, and you can find them tailgating at all home games. Anissa is known as “Shiny” to her granddaughter, Nora, and that is the best title that she has held to date.
Paige Hutto, IOM
President, Alabama Chambers
Paige Green Hutto has spent 20+ years in the chamber world and has led the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama since 2021. A champion for chambers across the state, she provides advocacy, training, and professional development to help chamber leaders thrive.
She started chamber life in her early 20s at her hometown chamber in Eufaula, Al, followed by a stint with BASS/ESPN Outdoors—yes, the fishing folks. In 2008 she returned to the industry to lead the Gilmer County (GA) Chamber, launching economic development initiatives, boosting tourism, and growing the organization’s membership, programming, and influence.
Armed with an MBA from Troy University and professional designations like IOM, GCCE, and TMP, Paige currently serves as Vice Chair of the Southeast Board of Regents for the Institute for Organization Management.
She lives in Wetumpka with her husband, Chris, bonus sons- Jacob, a junior at Troy University (Go Trojans!) and Jaxon, a junior at Wetumpka High School and her husband’s cat B-man.
Tim Chason
President, The Chason Group
Tim Chason is the founder and President of The Chason Group, an executive search and consulting firm specializing in leadership recruitment for chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, nonprofit entities, and private companies. Since launching the firm in 2003, Tim has led searches and strategic initiatives across the Southeast, bringing expertise in strategic visioning, relationship building, and organizational development.
With over three decades of experience in business and the nonprofit sector, Tim has served as President of the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and Executive Vice President of Callaway Gardens Resort.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Georgia, a Master of Public Administration, and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia. Tim has served on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trustees for the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Foundation.
Natalie Steed
Executive Officer, Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission
Natalie Steed serves as the Executive Officer of the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission, where she helps lead statewide efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. She is also the Development Officer at American Village, a national historic site in Montevallo, Alabama, dedicated to civic education. With a master’s degree in Information Systems and a strong background in education and nonprofit leadership, Natalie is passionate about creating meaningful connections between history, civic engagement, and learning. A lifelong resident of Shelby County, Alabama, Natalie remains deeply involved in her local community through various service initiatives and outreach projects.
Donny Jones
Executive Vice President and Chief Workforce Officer, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
Donny Jones holds the roles of Executive Vice President and Chief Workforce Officer for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, as well as Executive Director for West AlabamaWorks. Donny plays a crucial role in maximizing regional workforce development by leveraging local, state, and federal resources to support K-12 and adult training programs. Under Donny’s leadership the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama was named the 2021 Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Chamber of the Year. In 2024, West AlabamaWorks! was recognized as one of ten exemplars by the Carnegie Corporation of New York through their Profiles in Collective Leadership program.
Donny’s extensive involvement in workforce development includes serving on various committees and boards, such as the Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways Technical Advisory Committee, Alabama Workforce Council, Alabama Grade Level Reading Committee, Alabama Textbook Committee, State Technical Advisory Council Hospitality Committee Chair and the Governor’s Career Technical Education Task Force. Donny currently serves on many boards and foundations including the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Advisory board, Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama board, National Skills Coalition National WIOA Advisory Council, American Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation Board, Tuscaloosa Education Foundation, ACT Southern Regional Council, West Alabama Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee and AAMA OEM Roundtable Member. He has been recognized for his contributions, receiving the Public Service Award for West Alabama from the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. He also holds accreditation as a Certified Chamber Executive, a distinction held by less than 4% of chamber professionals.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Donny is actively engaged in his community and his church, Five Points Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon and Sunday School Teacher. He is married to Carla, an experienced educator, and is the proud father of Carson and Carter.
Karla Roper
VP, Operations, Alabama Chambers
Karla Roper is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience helping organizations, communities, and businesses thrive through innovative marketing strategies and emerging technologies. Throughout her career, she has partnered with multiple chambers of commerce and served as Executive Director of Georgia Wine Producers, where she championed growth and collaboration across the industry. Beyond her professional achievements, Karla is a devoted wife and mother of two daughters. She finds joy in her garden and fulfillment in living as a humble servant.