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Soldotna, February 8th, 2023
The Soldotna Chamber of Commerce is happy to introduce Maddy McElrea as its new leader. She joins the local chamber with a solid background in local tourism and hospitality in the Soldotna area. McElrea takes over the role from Shanon Davis who will help facilitate a smooth transition until February 22, 2023. The Chamber is excited for what the new year will bring for the community and its members.
“I am very grateful and excited to be stepping into the role as Executive Director to the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to developing new relationships with our members, the city, and our wonderful community,” said McElrea. “This is a time of growth for Soldotna with new leadership in the chamber and city that will build upon strong foundations, and continue projects such as Soldotna’s Riverfront Redevelopment Plan. Growing up in Alaska I have been impressed with Soldotna’s development and am excited to be in a position to contribute to this growth.”
McElrea joined the Soldotna Chamber team in November 2021 taking on administration of the “Holding our Own” Shop Local program. In January 2022, she became the parttime bookkeeper for the Chamber. Before joining the team, McElrea had ten years of experience in tourism, four of those years as the business manager of a successful local tourism business. After leaving that position in September 2021, she started her own grant writing company. Board President Jerry Herring said, “After a careful review of qualified and compelling candidates, the executive committee is pleased that Maddy McElrea accepted the position of the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. The Board and I look forward to working with her in her new capacity.”
McElrea described her vision for the chamber as one that’s progressive.
“The Soldotna Chamber of Commerce is fortunate to have a strong and passionate team of staff and board members. This is crucial to move forward and execute the goals of our strategic plan and mission as a Chamber to support our members and local businesses,” said McElrea. “My priorities are to build and operate a world‐class Visitor Center in the City of Soldotna, as well as represent and advocate for the Soldotna business community in the Riverfront Redevelopment Plan. In addition, I look forward to leading our 501c3 charitable arm, Vision Soldotna, to continue our Levitt AMP Soldotna Music Series each summer. I know firsthand that Shanon Davis has done an incredible job leading the Chamber through many projects. As the new Executive Director, I will dedicate myself to see her visions through, bring my own thoughts and ideas, and support collaboration with our team, Board, and community.”
For more information on the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, visit visitsoldotna.com/chamber or connect with the chamber on Facebook at facebook.com/soldotnachamberofcommerce.
