Faces and Places

Dallas Regional Chamber named Brad Cheves president and CEO. Cheves succeeds Dale Petroskey, who led the chamber for nearly 12 years. Cheves was previously senior vice president for development and external affairs at Southern Methodist University. 

Tressa Cruse was named president and CEO of the Bartlesville Regional Chamber of Commerce (Okla.), succeeding Sherri Wilt, who retired last year. Cruse has served the chamber for 14 years, holding various roles before being named CEO.

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce (La.) named Mike Downhour president and CEO, following the retirement of Roy Heatherly. Downhour was previously the chamber’s director of community engagement and president of the Sterlington and Richwood Business Alliances.

The Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce (Miss.) named Varina Hopper its new executive director. She succeeds Vickie DuPree, who retired last year after serving the chamber for more than 30 years. Hopper returns to the chamber industry after most recently working as a career coach with the Three Rivers Planning & Development District. She previously served as executive director of the Horn Lake Chamber of Commerce from 2013 to 2018.

Danielle Norcross was named president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber (N.J.). Most recently, she was chief strategy officer for a national association management firm. Before that, she served as CEO of the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce.

The Wichita Falls Chamber (Texas) named Cindy Shafer CEO. Shafer was previously executive director of Texas Community Counseling.

Heath Taylor, IOM, was named president and CEO of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce (Ga.), marking a return to the chamber where he had once served as vice president. Most recently, he was president and CEO of the Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. Taylor has also previously held leadership roles with chambers of commerce in Georgia and South Carolina, including serving as vice president of business and community development for the Aiken Chamber of Commerce.

Susan Throckmorton was named president and CEO of the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce (Va.). Her new role marks a return to the organization where she started her career as director of finance and management. Most recently, Throckmorton was a financial support specialist with the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.

The Central Fort Bend Chamber (Texas) named Melissa Toon president and CEO. She was previously the chamber’s programs director.

The Union County Chamber (N.C.) named Clayton Whitson, IOM, president and CEO. He succeeds Pat Kahle, who retired after 11 years of service. Whitson comes to the chamber after serving as president and CEO of the Madison County Chamber (Ind.), which, under his leadership, was named Indiana Chamber of the Year (2024).