ACCE Names 2025 Cohort for Talent Development Fellowship

The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation has accepted 20 individuals into the 2025-2026 Fellowship for Talent Development.

This cohort will help chamber professionals understand their local talent development ecosystem and how they can strengthen the talent pipeline through systems change and programmatic efforts. Fellows will then create a regional action plan that addresses a talent challenge in their community. Under the guidance of the ACCE Foundation, they will measure impact through qualitative and quantitative indicators. By the end of the six-month program, Fellows will be better positioned to support communities adapting to the new realities of work.  

“We are excited to support this outstanding group of chamber leaders,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Through the Fellowship for Talent Development, they will gain tools and strategies to address workforce challenges, drive economic prosperity and shape the future of their communities.”

The 2025 fellows are:

Joel Alvarado
Director of Business & Workforce Development
Opelika Chamber (Ala.)

Denise Bowls
President & CEO
Greater Vail Chamber of Commerce (Ariz.)

Merrick Brtek
Director of Young Professionals & Talent Development Programs
Greater Omaha Chamber (Neb.)

Alex Bunten
Director of Workforce and Education
Lake Champlain Chamber (Vt.)

Katie Doherty
President & CEO
Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce (Maine)

Amber M. Gaddis
Director of Workforce Development
Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce (Ga.)

Kelly Gold
Vice President of Marketing, Talent Attraction and Retention
Greater Louisville Inc. (Ky.)

Reagan C. Gural, IOM, CCEC
President & CEO
Alamance Chamber (N.C.)

Madeline Herrman
Director of Foundation and Chamber Programs
Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce (Ill.)

Tammy Humphrey
Senior Director, Talent Development
Orlando Economic Partnership (Fla.)

Laura McKinney
Senior Vice President for Talent and Workforce
Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce (S.C.)

Emily Pettinato
Workforce Development Specialist
Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce (Pa.)

Jack Russell
President & CEO
OneZone Chamber (Ind.)

Tish Shade
President & CEO
Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce (Ky.)

Cameron Sloan
Talent & Emerging Business Specialist
Abilene Chamber of Commerce (Texas)

Laura Strickland
President & CEO
Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce (Ala.)

Erin Vincent
Vice President of Education & Talent
Greater Spokane Incorporated (Wash.)

Kenny Ward Jr.
Director, Talent Development
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce (Ala.)

Danielle Wiseman
Workforce Development Coordinator
Staten Island Chamber of Commerce (N.Y.)

Carrie L. Zaragoza
Executive Director
Yuma County Chamber of Commerce (Ariz.)