On Feb. 5, 2019, the Chamber will honor its 2018 Volunteers of the Year at the 141st Annual Meeting. These volunteers have gone above and beyond in their service to the Chamber and, in turn, the community.

Air Service Task Force - Sharon Schweitzer, Access to Culture

Sharon is an incredible resource for our Air Services Task Force. Her professional experience as a business owner focused on international business training, willingness to ask questions and help out wherever or whenever needed are very valuable to the task force.

Ambassador - Blair Rankin, Smith Protective Services

Blair Rankin from Smith Protective has been a active participant in the majority of the activities and ribbon cuttings this year. She has proactively volunteered to be the point person for ribbon cuttings as well as volunteered her services as a photographer for the ceremonies and Ambassador socials. She is enthusiastic about the Ambassador program and is always willing to help.

Austin Gives - Lisa Trahan, St. David's Foundation

Under Lisa's leadership, our Austin Gives Business Awards Committee transitioned the event management to the Austin Chamber staff with clear direction and understanding of the program history while continuing to deliver the success of past luncheons. Her vision of the focus the committee could take to maximize community leadership for this event was imperative for next level of success for this celebration. Her commitment to continue to serve as we focus our efforts on the nominations process as the key role of our committee is sure to be invaluable in 2019.

Economic Development - Justice Craig T. Enoch, Enoch Kever, PLLC

Craig Enoch's work on the recruitment of the Army Futures Command went far above and beyond any expectations from a volunteer. He spent many hours of coordination between all parties - sometimes until the wee hours of the morning. His expertise and legal finesse in understanding the dynamics the military and government helped place Austin at the top of the list.

Education - Rhonda Summerbell, UFCU

For a decade, Rhonda has supported the Chamber/UFCU FAFSA completion partnership to make college more affordable to area students. She has provided feedback on aid-related marketing efforts, helped sponsor the Chamber’s regional FAFSA campaign, and this year alone arrange training for approximately 30 UFCU employees to help students at Chamber FAFSA events for 2018.

Global Technology & Innovation - David Altounian, St. Edward's University

David has been an active chair and exceptional leader of our Tech & Innovation Capital Committee. He is strategic, thoughtful and dedicated to our mission.

International Advisory Committee - Mehron Azarmehr, Azarmehr Law Group

Mehron has been a trustworthy and generous leader of our International Advisory Committee. With Mehron's leadership, we have made great strides with our international outreach.

Programs & Partnership - Kristin Marcum, Elizabeth Christian Public Relations

Kristin provided clarity on the nomination criteria for the Business Awards and created a virtual nomination committee to generate the largest number of new nominations which resulted in over 1200 attendees. She provides clear insight into program content to improve a focus on how the Chamber delivers meaningful experiences to its business partners.

Growth Strategy - Paul Trylko, Amplify Credit Union

In addition to chairing his own Council, he’s been deeply engaged in the Growth Strategy work we’ve done and helped move forward new thinking about where the Chamber can find new customers as our digital transformation is coming to life including four years of service to the Member Relations / Chamber Experience Councils.

Customer Experience - Jill Stachura, National Instruments

Jill was part of our original focus group on digital transformation and provided guidance and support to Chamber staff as they implemented new systems and processes.

Local Advocacy - Hoover Alexander, Hoover's Cooking

Hoover Alexander worked closely with the Austin Chamber to craft an appropriate City of Austin policy on paid sick leave.

Federal Advocacy - John Howard, Dell Technologies

Throughout the Army Futures Command selection process, John was critical in testifying and recruiting key leaders who could help tell Austin's innovation story.

Talent - Mark Sherry, Baylor Scott & White

Mark Sherry is the Regional Director of Human Resources for Baylor Scott & White and also sits on the Chamber’s Austin Community College’s Progress Report Task Force to address local workforce needs in healthcare. Mark has volunteered his time to work with veterans on their entrance to the job market and has given time to work on our signature events as well as supported the Chamber’s initiatives in talent recruitment.

Join us in honoring these wonderful Austinites and our Austinite of the Year Ray Wilkerson at the 141st Austin Chamber Annual Meeting on Feb. 5, 2019. Get your tickets today: https://www.austinchamber.com/membership/events/annual-meeting