From left to right, top row, are Stephen Bennett and Autumn Morgan. Bottom row, Callie Newcomer and Bobbi Wagner

Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Four New Leaders to Board of Directors   Covington, VA (Jan. 5, 2026) - The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is proud to announce the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors for the Class of 2026. This year’s incoming class marks a milestone for the Chamber, representing the first time the organization has welcomed four young professionals simultaneously—each bringing diverse experience, fresh perspective, and a strong commitment to the future of the Alleghany Highlands. “These new board members represent the next generation of leadership in our region,” said Josh Taylor, Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. “Each individual is deeply engaged in their profession and community, and together they reflect the innovation, energy, and collaboration that will help guide our organization forward.” Stephen Bennett serves as Vice President of Sales and Operations at Union Church Millworks, bringing more than 15 years of industry experience, including eight years focused on company growth and operational excellence. A Virginia Tech graduate with a degree in Forest Operations and Business, Stephen combines technical expertise with strong business strategy. He is actively involved in regional and statewide industry leadership, currently serving as Treasurer of the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association and holding board positions with the Home Builders Association of Virginia, the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association, and the Better Business Bureau. Bennett looks forward to contributing his leadership experience and community-minded approach to the Chamber board. Autumn Morgan, co-owner of Four Moons Designs, brings a creative and branding-focused perspective to the board. A graduate of West Virginia University with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design, Autumn has spent the past four years growing her business while remaining deeply involved in community revitalization efforts. She currently serves on the Community Gathering Board, Clifton Forge Rebranding Committee, and Fridays in the Forge Planning Committee, helping drive new events, energy, and economic vitality throughout Clifton Forge. Callie Newcomer joins the board representing Smurfit WestRock, where she serves as Senior Human Resources Generalist supporting the Low Moor facility. A Radford University graduate with a B.S. in Psychology and a Society for Human Resource Management certification, Callie brings more than a decade of experience in talent acquisition and human resources. A Covington native, she remains strongly connected to the region and is passionate about supporting workforce development and community engagement in the Alleghany Highlands. Bobbie Wagner serves as Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of the Alleghany Highlands, entering her third year as CEO locally and bringing more than 13 years of service within the YMCA movement. A native of the Alleghany Highlands and graduate of Alleghany High School, Bobbie holds degrees from Radford University and Aurora University’s George Williams College, with a focus on tourism, recreation, and nonprofit management. She is a graduate of the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute and has served in numerous regional leadership roles, including past president of the Lexington–Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce Board. Together, the Chamber’s Class of 2026 reflects a broad range of industries—including manufacturing, small business, human resources, nonprofit leadership, and community development—while sharing a common dedication to strengthening the Alleghany Highlands’ business climate, quality of life and tourism growth. “We are excited to welcome Stephen, Autumn, Callie, and Bobbie to the board,” Taylor added. “Their voices, energy, ideas, and leadership will play an important role as we continue expanding the Chamber’s impact and supporting our local businesses and communities.” For more information about the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism visit ahchamber.com.

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