By Ashley Sinclair

As the Kernersville Chamber moves through 2024, we want to reintroduce our esteemed team, but particularly we are thrilled to welcome a new member into our fold, adding fresh perspectives to our collective vision, Hattie Russom.

Hattie Russom, the Director of Membership Development, has joined our team after graduating Appalachian State University in May of 2023 where she studied Public Relations. Hattie and her family are originally from St. Louis, Missouri and have since moved to Oak Ridge. Over the last few years, Hattie has worked in the Heart of Downtown Kernersville at The Street Boutique, familiarizing herself with our wonderful town. Since graduating she knew she wanted to get more involved and since mid-December of 2023, she has done just that by joining our team. So far, Hattie loves how the position allows her to immerse herself in the community of Kernersville and getting to know its business representatives. In 2024, she is looking forward to meeting and learning more about our community and how she can best serve our members!

Amanda Ruark, Director of Finance, Tourism, and Economic Development, has worked with the Chamber now for two years. In 2023, Amanda completed a goal of obtaining her Master of Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. Amanda, originally from Belews Creek, has two beautiful children, Reid and Reanna, as well as her daughter in law, Abby, and her dog Remi. She serves as our Director of Finance, Tourism, and Economic Development to steward the Chamber’s resources to create the most positive results possible for our businesses and community.

Lisa Hedgecock, Executive Assistant, worked for the WSFCS system at Glenn High School as the Administrative Assistant. She grew up in Kernersville and has been happily married to her husband Dwayne, for 26 years. Together they have two wonderful children, Montgomery and Landon. They also share their home with three very spoiled dogs, Lacey, Poppy, Deacon, and just welcomed a new addition, Mickey. Lisa’s role as Executive Assistant has many responsibilities here at the Chamber from being the one you hear when you call us and the one you see when you walk in the door. She brings an inviting smile and warm laughs to make for a friendly welcome to the Chamber.

Ashley Sinclair, Marketing Director of Programs and Downtown, began working for the Chamber in October of 2021. She graduated from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies in May of 2020. She began looking for a Chamber of Commerce to call home and when a position opened at the Kernersville Chamber she jumped at the opportunity. She is originally from Clinton, North Carolina and now resides in Kernersville with her fur baby, Blu. Ashley serves as the Marketing Director of Programs and Downtown bringing an exceptional amount of marketing and event planning to help with her wide range of committees and services she brings to our members and community.

Chris Comer, President/CEO, is originally from Central Pennsylvania where she attended Lock Haven University graduating with a BS degree in Recreation Management. After 25 years in the YMCA system, she retired and began her career at the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce in December of 2013. She currently serves on the Advisory Council for the Salvation Army-Kernersville, is on the Advisory Board for the Better Business Bureau Foundation, and is a Rotarian.

As President Chris Comer notes, “The Kernersville community continues to grow, and we are delighted to continue to serve our great town with a full staff.”
Other benefits for members in 2024 include: event sponsorships, member experiences, networking events, committee involvement, e-blast advertisements, ribbon cuttings, business social events, Chamber website calendar, etc. and the list just goes on!

To find out more about what The Chamber Ladies are up to, follow the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for networking and volunteer opportunities.