The Cochran Bleckley Chamber of Commerce announced that Staley Bell was selected as the new President and CEO. The Chamber’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve Bell for the position following an extensive Middle Georgia search. Staley started her new role on November 29, 2021.

Staley is a graduate of Middle Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Arts New Media and Communications where she was a Summa Cum Laude. She is married to Chris Bell and has two children, with the oldest enrolled in Bleckley County Primary School and their youngest baby a future Royal as well. She is actively involved in Westview Baptist Church in Hawkinsville.

“Staley brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm along with the passion and experience the board identified as key traits required to build upon our solid foundation already in place,” said Dr. Mike Stoy, chair of the Chamber board. “She has been a proven leader with UGA Cooperative Extension in Hawkinsville and has worked in City Government in Vienna with proven results to back up her successes. I describe Staley as an innovator, team builder and most importantly a listener.”

“I have watched Cochran and Bleckley County steadily grow in business, education, community, and positive influence over the past few years” Bell said. “I am humbled and honored to have been selected for the CEO/ President’s role of the Chamber. I plan to continue carrying on the Cochran Bleckley Chamber’s legacy of many years of service, as well as bring innovative ideas and results to move forward our mission ‘to promote local business growth and healthy community relations.”

"My first order of business will be to listen and collaborate. I want to meet with members and non-members of the chamber, community advocates, city, county and regional leaders and the internal chamber team to learn what the strengths of the chamber are and what opportunities exist for the chamber to further help enable businesses, nonprofits and citizens to thrive” Bell said.

Cochran Bleckley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors along with its CEO, are charged with guiding the Chamber as they enhance the business environment and the overall quality of life in our community. With support coming from city and county government, members and community support, the Chamber identifies new and positive means to improve collaboration as we strive for economic vitality. Our current Chamber officers are Chairman Mike Stoy, Vice-Chairman Dani Dykes, Secretary-Treasurer Quincy Nobles, Ann Bennett, Lisa Chastain, Scott Cox, Brock Wilcher and Keith Anderson. Ex-Officio(s) are Sole Commissioner Mike Davis, IDA Chairman Matt Fordham, School Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith, Middle Georgia State University appointed staff Henry Whitfield and Mayor Billy Yeomans.

For more information about the Cochran Bleckley Chamber of Commerce or if you would like to become a member or get involved, visit Cochran-Bleckley.com, call 478-934-2965 or email [email protected] The Cochran Bleckley Chamber has been serving our community since 1978.