ASHLAND, Va. (October 8, 2024) – The Hanover Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is excited to announce the promotion of Marianne Powell to Executive Director, effective immediately. Powell has been employed at the chamber for over ten years and has played a vital role in advancing the chamber’s mission to support local businesses and economic growth in Hanover County. 

Powell succeeds Melissa Haley, who departed the Chamber in July. Following Melissa’s departure, Powell has emerged as the ideal candidate to continue our mission and drive our initiatives forward.

As Executive Director, Powell will oversee all operations, develop innovated programs, and expand partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations. She will collaborate closely with staff, directors, member committees and the broader community to continue to enhance the business environment in Hanover County (VA).

In her previous roll as Membership and Finance Director, Powell demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision and a deep commitment to Chamber members. During her tenure, she successfully helped grow the Chamber membership to over 400 organizations, encompassing more than 800 individual members. Powell also effectively managed numerous committees and events, significantly enhancing member engagement and community involvement.

“It has been exciting to witness the Hanover Chamber’s growth over the past ten years,” said Powell. “I am eager to see the Chamber continue to thrive, and I look forward to representing the Chamber in the community, maintaining existing relationships, and building new ones.”

The Hanover Chamber of Commerce champions and promotes a strong community, responsible growth and dynamic business through relevant programming, information sharing and network-building. We empower Hanover County in two ways: The Hanover Chamber is a 501c6 member supported business organization. The Hanover Chamber Foundation is a 501c3 focused on leadership, philanthropy and community support.

Our members represent more than 50 industries of every organizational size who value helping their local economy and community while also growing their businesses or nonprofits. We accomplish our mission using our four core values as a foundation – Connect, Inform, Promote and Support. We are dedicated to fostering the success of all our members, to developing strong leaders, and to creating a supportive culture throughout the Hanover-Ashland community. More information about the Hanover Chamber of Commerce can be found at HanoverChamberVa.com. 

What they are saying:

"The Board of Directors are thrilled that Marianne Powell has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Hanover Chamber of Commerce. Marianne has been an invaluable staff member for many years as the Membership & Financial Director. Now, as Executive Director, she is well poised to continue growing the Chamber under her leadership. We are very excited for the future of the Hanover Chamber of Commerce.”

- Laurie Ursiny, President Chamber Board of Directors

"The Hanover Chamber Foundation Board of Directors and I are excited to share that Marianne Powell has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Hanover Chamber of Commerce.  Marianne’s passion to grow the chamber’s membership and our impact in Hanover County will continue in this new role. The relationships she helped form over the last decade with our members, as well as our business and government partners, makes her an outstanding candidate for the position. We are very excited for the future of the Hanover Chamber Foundation.” 

– Kenny Janes, President Hanover Chamber Foundation