ROANOKE
Teresa Beale, executive director of the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, was recently installed as president of the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive at its June 26 meeting. Administered by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the VACCE is an alliance of chamber executives representing large and small chambers of commerce from localities throughout the state.

“It is truly an honor to serve as president of the VACCE,” Beale said. “Our chamber staff has benefited from their programs for many years, and the interaction with chamber professionals from different regions helps to enhance our communities. I look forward to highlighting the Franklin-Southampton Area throughout my term.”

As president, Beale will preside over board meetings and will represent the chamber on the board of directors. She has been with the FSACC for 28 years, and has served as executive director for the last 11 years. Prior to her appointment, she served as office manager for 16 years.

In 2010, Beale was selected as the “Chamber Executive of the Year” by the VACCE, which recognizes outstanding performance in the field of chamber of commerce management. It is presented to an individual who has exhibited being a leader in the chamber and community.

A 2005 graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management in Athens, Georgia, Beale has served on the board of directors of New Outlook, Chowan College Board of Visitors and the executive committee of the Franklin-Southampton Alliance.

She chairs the Southampton Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, and is a member of the Franklin Business Incubator and Regional Workforce Development Council at Paul D. Camp Community College.

Beale receives the gavel from outgoing president Joyce Waugh, and will serve a one-year term as president.