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Francine Wasden recently retired as executive director of the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce.

It was a position Wasden held since August 2018 after spending time in a similar role with the Chamber in Greenville.

Her tenure in Chilton County will be remembered for a number of achievements and milestones that took place.

According to Chilton County Chamber of Commerce President Billy Singleton, Wasden was instrumental in the organization becoming accredited by the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, the establishment of the student ambassador program and the expansion of the annual Peach Jam celebration.

The Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization established to promote and support the recruitment, retention and expansion of business and retail in Chilton County and to serve as ambassadors to promote the county and its municipalities as centers for business, agriculture and recreation.

One of the ways Wasden looked out for the Chamber’s members was the creation of the “business of the month” initiative.

“As executive director, Francine Wasden brought a sense of spirit and excitement to all of her Chamber of Commerce activities,” Singleton said. “Her enthusiasm was contagious to everyone around her. I’ve had the honor of serving as president during most of her tenure, and I am exceptionally grateful for having the opportunity to work with her and for her many contributions in serving our membership.”

According to Singleton, the Chamber’s board of directors will begin the process of identifying and recruiting a new executive director in the coming weeks.

“Although it will be difficult to replace Francine Wasden, I am confident that we will find the right individual to assume this leadership role in our community,” Singleton said. “It is our intention to seek an individual who is dedicated to the mission of the Chamber of Commerce and is able to create unique and innovative programs to serve our membership and the citizens of Chilton County.”