Honored and Grateful: Reflections on Receiving the ACCE Life Member Award

Recently, at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Conference, I had the distinct honor—alongside Robin Anderson, recently retired Chamber President from Macon, GA—of receiving ACCE’s Life Member Award for career achievement. Congratulations to Robin for her impressive and meaningful career—I am proud to be recognized alongside her.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to ACCE and to my colleagues across the country. For over 40 years, I’ve been fortunate to work in an industry where mission-driven professionals lift up their communities every day. Simply being included among this group is a privilege; to be recognized for career achievement is profoundly humbling. Thank you also to my friends, family, and colleagues, whose kind words and congratulations have made this moment even more special.

I was asked to share a few words at the awards presentation, and I hope my remarks hold some value for others in the chamber profession or the broader nonprofit world:

The Power of Community and Mentorship

ACCE has long been the place where our industry comes together to learn, network, and think about the future. Some of the most pivotal moments of my career have come from involvement in this organization. From serving on the ACCE Board and Executive Committee, to chairing the Board when the pandemic struck, I am reminded that our profession continuously faces new challenges and opportunities.

I am deeply grateful for the many colleagues who have mentored me, taught me, celebrated wins, and helped me navigate setbacks. There are far too many to name, but each has left a lasting mark on my life and outlook—thank you for your guidance, candor, and support.

Stepping Into 'Unauthorized' Expectations

One funny aspect of the chamber profession: we are often held responsible for things well beyond our official remit. Yet, I encourage my colleagues—especially those new to the field—to embrace those “unauthorized expectations.” That is where innovation happens, where community impact thrives, and where chamber leadership can be most effective.

Early in my career, I was fortunate to have employers who encouraged me to take risks and think differently. As president of an organization at 26, I leaned heavily on the wisdom of board members, each of whom taught me invaluable lessons—from working with media to understanding business strategy and public policy. Looking back, it was like receiving a “mini-MBA”—all because those leaders cared enough about the community’s future to invest in my growth.

The Call to Mentor and Be Mentored

At every stage, I’ve been surrounded by people willing to share their insights and talents. If there is one thing I would ask of my fellow leaders, it is this: Renew your commitment to mentoring the next generation. And to those just starting out, find the people whose work you admire and ask for their counsel—they will often welcome the opportunity.

We have a collective responsibility to strengthen our communities by nurturing new leadership.

Looking Forward

The ACCE’s new Horizons 2035 report identifies key trends shaping our industry—and one of the most pressing is leadership churn, both among volunteers and professionals. Let’s work together to tackle this and secure the future of chambers everywhere.

A Personal Thank You

Finally, none of my career or successes would have been possible without the steadfast support of my wife of 43 years, Maggie, who has been by my side through both triumphs and challenges. Thank you, Maggie—you mean the world to me.

Here’s to the work ahead, to new and old friends, and to the bright future of the chamber profession.