ACCE Celebrates the 2025-2026 Next Generation Leadership Program Graduates

ACCE is proud to recognize the 2026 graduates of the Next Generation Leadership Program, a cohort of emerging chamber professionals who invested in strengthening their leadership skills, expanding their professional networks and preparing for greater responsibility within the chamber industry. Graduates were recognized for their accomplishment during ACCE’s Annual Convention in New Orleans.

A Year of Leadership Development

The Next Generation Leadership Program was created to help aspiring chamber leaders build the competencies and connections they need to advance their careers and increase their impact. Through chamber-specific professional development, mentorship, networking and leadership training, participants strengthened the skills, connections and perspective needed to grow as leaders within their organizations and communities.

“Developing the next generation of chamber leaders is an investment in the future of our industry,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Chambers need leaders who can navigate change, build strong teams, deliver value to members and investors, and bring people together to address complex economic and workforce challenges. This cohort is building the skills and relationships to lead that work and strengthen the communities they serve.”

ACCE partnered with BetterCulture to deliver the leadership training. BetterCulture works with organizations across industries to strengthen leadership and workplace culture and serves as a strategic partner to more than 50 chambers of commerce nationwide. Its expertise helped ensure the program addressed the specific challenges and opportunities chamber professionals face as they grow into leadership roles.

Congratulations to the cohort on completing the program and on the commitment each participant has made to continued growth, stronger leadership and greater impact across the chamber profession.

Trinity Archer
Communications Coordinator
Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Ga.

Molly Crouser
Director of Events & Partnerships
Lancaster Chamber, Pa.

Samantha Geerdes
Senior VP of Business Services
Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce, Colo.

Sarah Hurley
Director of Events
Ames Regional Economic Alliance, Iowa

Allyson Krull, IOM
Vice President – Workforce & Leadership Development
Mason City Chamber of Commerce, Iowa

Katie Lopez, CCE, IOM
Vice President, Advocacy
Tampa Bay Chamber, Fla.

Paige McKinney, IOM
President & CEO
Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce, N.C.

Ross Phillips, CCE, IOM
Chief Operating Officer
Rogers Lowell Chamber, Ark.

Brandon Pinnix
Director of Member Relations
Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, N.C.

Melissa Sprigler
Director of Investor Relations
One Southern Indiana, Ind.

Kimber Stone
Director of Development and Member Engagement
Greenville-Pitt County Chamber, N.C.

The 2026-2027 cohort is underway. Learn more about the program.