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32 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 LOCAL BUZZ Welcoming the newest CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce MACON NATIVE JESSICA WALDEN was recently announced as the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce's newest president and chief executive officer (CEO). According to the Chamber's website, its mission is "for the purpose of advancing the positive growth and development of Macon-Bibb," with core values of ethicality, inclusivity, respect, and fiscal responsibility. Walden was selected out of over 50 applicants in a nationwide search for the Chamber's next leader. "Jessica Walden stood out to us and we believe was the best fit for our community and the ideal choice for our chamber," explained Robbo Hatcher, chair of the search committee. "Through every step of the process, she continued to rise to the very top as the perfect choice to lead our Chamber." Walden has previously served as a board member of the Bragg Jam Festival and Otis Redding Foundation, the guest editor of Macon Magazine's inaugural Music Issue, and a trustee of Leadership Georgia, which she was also a graduate of in addition to Leadership Macon. She has received copious amounts of training and certifications in leadership and economic development from programs such as the International Economic Development Council, Georgia Tech's Basic Economic Development coursework, and Georgia's Academy for Economic Development. Currently, Walden is on the board of Montessori of Macon and works as the Business and Leadership Advisor for the University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center and the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. In these positions, Walden facilitates the growth and education of business owners and community organizations. In recent years, Walden has been an advocate for leadership development, diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability within Georgia nonprofits and chambers of commerce. Dr. Ivan Allen, chair of the board for the Greater Macon Chamber, said, "We are all excited to welcome Jessica to this position and believe that her infectious enthusiasm for Macon and her leadership and strong business acumen will be a great fit for the Chamber. We believe she will keep the organization on a path of success for the future." Walden's position will commence during the fourth quarter of 2022. After a career of community commitment spanning 22 years, Walden said she is looking forward to her new role. "Working in community and economic development, communications and program management, as well as the experience of being a small business owner, has prepared me for this position," Walden said. "It's an incredible honor to be selected to lead my hometown's Chamber and join the team of the most significant organized business community in Macon-Bibb." – IVY MARIE CLARKE PHOTO BY LEAH YETTER