June 1, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
William Burns, Director of Communications
(410) 269-0642, (301) 261-2858 | Cell: (410) 733-9945

Maryland Chamber President/CEO Kathy Snyder
Named Chamber Executive of the Year

Baltimore, MD (June 1, 2007) - The Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) today named Maryland Chamber President & CEO Kathleen T. Snyder, CCE, its 2007 Chamber Executive of the Year.

“During her tenure, Kathy has developed a truly impressive record of accomplishment,” said Bill Scarafia, President and CEO of the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce and 2007 MACCE President. “She has always represented the character and professionalism that we each strive for in our industry.”

Snyder was recognized for her many accomplishments leading the State Chamber, and for her dedication to building coalitions to make Maryland a better place to live, work and do business. Under Snyder’s leadership, the Maryland Chamber has:

• Increased its membership to more than 845 members.
• Improved its advocacy program by assembling an effective professional lobbying team, and initiating a grassroots program that has mobilized more than 3,500 business people and generated more than 20,000 legislative contacts. 
• Built strong working relationships and partnerships with local chambers of commerce throughout the state.
• Improved its core events to add value to membership and increase non-dues revenue.

Terry Neimeyer, Chairman and CEO of KCI Technologies, and Chairman of the Maryland Chamber from 2005 to 2007 said, “Kathy is a tireless worker and consensus builder. She works with a board of diverse professionals who have very strong opinions. In seeking common ground where there is disagreement, Kathy gets all to a viable solution that is good for business. She’s a class act, who is always professional, well prepared, and willing to help.” 

Snyder has more than 20 years experience in the chamber profession. Prior to becoming President and CEO of the Maryland Chamber, she spent seven years as the head of the Alexandria, Virginia Chamber of Commerce, where she won the Virginia Chamber Executive of the Year Award in 1996. Before that, she was Executive Vice President of the Prince George’s County Chamber. She earned her certified Chamber Executive, CCE, designation in 2000, one of only 500 Chamber professionals in the country to earn this designation.

She’s actively involved with the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, as well as the Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. She serves as the only non-CPA member of the board of directors of the Maryland Association of CPAs, and she also serves on the board of Maryland Works.

Snyder is a lifelong Marylander and holds an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Maryland – College Park. She earned a master’s degree in public relations from The American University in Washington, D.C.

This was the fourth time MACCE has named a Chamber Executive of the Year. Past winners include Barbara Buehl, Executive Director of the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce;  Walt Townshend, President & CEO of the Baltimore/Washington Corridor Chamber; and Fred Teeter, former President of the Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce. All chamber executives in the state with three years of service were eligible for the award. Nominations were made by the volunteer leadership of the respective chambers and chamber colleagues. Criteria upon which the nominees were judged include accomplishments, fiscal management, professional development and community involvement. The judging panel was comprised of the MACCE President, past winners of the award, and chamber executives appointed by MACCE who were not nominees.

The Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) is a membership association consisting of chamber of commerce executives, and their counterparts at similar organization, from throughout the state. The organization supports the continued professional development of its members and works to enhance the standing of chambers of commerce in Maryland. For more information, contact the Maryland Chamber of Commerce at (410) 269-0642 or (301) 261-2858.

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