Carla Hawkins named interim CEO of Sumter County Chamber

AMERICUS — The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Carla Hawkins as its new interim chief executive officer and president.

Hawkins succeeds Amber Batchelor and has assumed full responsibilities as of Sept. 17. Batchelor served for three years as the chamber’s CEO and president and produced great opportunities for the chamber and Sumter County areas. She is pursuing other business ventures and said she is grateful for her tenure with the chamber and has left the organization in the capable hands of the new interim CEO/president.

Hawkins is a motivated and hard-working professional with more than 15 years of business-to-business experience and is poised to lead the Sumter County Chamber into its next chapter. With highly regarded networking and leadership skills and innovative ideas, Hawkins has a sincere passion for cultivating strong relationships. Her experience with chamber members aligns with building upon strengths of partnerships and closing work force gaps.

Hawkins has previous experience in the nonprofit and education industries and that experience is expected to benefit the Sumter Chamber’s members and southwest Georgia communities with her talents, strong character and gift of creating opportunities that provide real results and equity.

As a proud south Georgia native, Hawkins said she is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Sumter County communities and its current and future chamber members. Her background in work force development and heavy involvement in community and business growth will lend to some exciting engagement in the future.

“I look forward to making Sumter County proud as I embark on driving growth and innovation for chamber members,” Hawkins said. “We are gearing up for some exciting events and making sure our members feel seen and heard. Great things are ahead.”

“Carla’s goal is to take care of and promote the interests of the chamber members and execute the existing chamber programs,” Board President  Andrew Cook said. “Her leadership style and vision align well with the chamber’s mission.”

Special Photo: Sumter Chamber