Virginia Mountaineer
A new chapter is underway for the Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce after the organization’s board of directors selected Chad Cooper to serve as its next executive director.
The chamber’s board of directors voted during its July meeting to name Cooper as the organization’s new executive director. Cooper officially began his duties July 21 and will succeed Amanda Shafer, whose final day with the chamber is July 30.
Shafer is leaving the chamber after accepting a teaching position with Buchanan County Public Schools, where she will serve as a special education teacher at the newly constructed Southern Gap High School.
A 2000 graduate of Hurley High School, Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Virginia Intermont College in 2006. In addition to his new role with the chamber, he serves as editor of The Virginia Mountaineer newspaper.
Cooper said he is excited to begin working with the chamber, its members and the board of directors to continue supporting local businesses and strengthening Buchanan County’s economy.
“I’m incredibly excited to step into the role of executive director of the Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce,” Cooper said. “This is a community full of pride, potential and hardworking people, and I am ready to hit the ground running. My focus is on energizing our local business community, building strong connections and creating new opportunities that help move Buchanan County forward.”
“I also look forward to working alongside such an outstanding board of directors,” Cooper added. “Buchanan County is fortunate to have a board made up of strong business leaders who are deeply invested in the success of our community. I’m excited to help bring their ideas to fruition and continue building on the vision they have for the future.”
“It is truly an honor to continue the work of Mary Belcher, who faithfully served as chamber director for more than 30 years, and Amanda Shafer, who successfully carried that legacy forward over the past three years,” Cooper shared. “Amanda (Shafer) leaves the chamber in a great place, and I look forward to continuing the progress she helped build during her tenure. The best is ahead, and I am proud to be part of it.”
Shafer said leaving the chamber is bittersweet but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Buchanan County’s business community.
“My time with the Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce has been incredibly rewarding,” Shafer said. “I’ve truly enjoyed being involved in our community and working alongside so many wonderful people. While it’s a bittersweet moment to move on, I’m grateful for the experiences, friendships and memories I’ll always carry with me.”
