Staff & Volunteers
Charlotte Area Chamber Staff and Leaders
CEO - Jessica Helms
After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, I moved to Charlotte, NC. Soon afterward, I began a career in the hospitality industry. There, I spent nearly 20 years with an outstanding company and team. More importantly, it was my first introduction to the value of a Chamber of Commerce.
At first, I attended networking events hosted by several Chambers across the Charlotte area. Meanwhile, my company sponsored Chamber programs and events. As a result, I developed valuable relationships with local business leaders and entrepreneurs. Over time, my professional network continued to grow.
In 2012, I joined the Board of the SouthPark Chapter of the legacy Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. Later, I served as Chapter Chair in 2017. Then, in 2019, I became Chair of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance following the merger.
In addition, I have served on the boards of several nonprofit and professional organizations. These include the National Association for Catering and Events, The Sandbox, the North Carolina Business Travel Association, and Ace & TJ's Radio Family Charity. Through these leadership roles, I expanded my network and deepened my commitment to community service.
The saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know," has been true throughout my career. For me, Chamber involvement was a key part of building those connections. Furthermore, it opened doors, created opportunities, and introduced me to lifelong friends and trusted business partners.
Today, I am honored to help create those same opportunities for others through the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce. By fostering business networking, professional development, and community engagement, we help local businesses grow. At the same time, we strengthen the Charlotte business community and support long-term economic growth throughout Mecklenburg County and the region.
COO - Michael Orzech
In 2003, I left the corporate world and started my own business. Early on, my mentor, who had been in the industry for more than 20 years, encouraged me to join my local Chamber of Commerce. At the same time, many of the business books I was reading offered the same advice. So, I joined.
The results came quickly. Within my first year in business, I was serving on the board of one Chamber, actively involved in another, and considering joining a third. Then, an opportunity brought us to Charlotte.
After moving to Charlotte, one of the first things I did was join the legacy Charlotte Chamber, along with several other membership organizations. It proved to be one of the best decisions I made. For several years, nearly 60 percent of my business came directly from the relationships and connections I built through Chamber involvement.
In addition, the Chamber opened doors to leadership opportunities throughout the community. Through my involvement with the Chamber, I served on the Mayor's Business Advisory Committee for six years. I also spent six years on the board of the University City Chapter, served as a Chamber Ambassador and Connector, participated in the annual campaign for more than a decade, and volunteered on numerous committees and special events.
More importantly, these experiences introduced me to people who not only helped me grow my business but also became lifelong friends. Along the way, I discovered that the true value of Chamber membership extends far beyond networking. It's about building meaningful relationships and creating a stronger business community.
When the opportunity arose to help launch a new Chamber of Commerce, many colleagues and friends encouraged us to move forward. They believed our community needed it and, quite frankly, I felt the same way.
Today, as we continue building the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce, I am excited to help businesses connect, grow, and succeed. Most importantly, I look forward to strengthening our local business community and creating opportunities that will support Charlotte-area businesses for years to come.
Director of Engagement & Sales - Linda Lemmons
Linda Lemmons describes herself as a connector, collaborator, creative thinker, and lifelong learner. Throughout her career, she has built a strong reputation as a results-driven sales and marketing professional. Her experience spans the corporate, hospitality, and retail industries, giving her a broad perspective and a passion for helping businesses succeed.
Most importantly, Linda enjoys working alongside organizations on special projects that drive growth and create meaningful results. She thrives on building relationships, solving challenges, and connecting people with opportunities.
As a longtime supporter of the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce, Linda has been actively involved in strengthening the local business community. In recognition of her leadership and commitment, she was honored as the 2024 Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce Leader of the Year and the 2023 Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce Champion of the Year.
Outside of work, Linda enjoys spending time outdoors, golfing, reading, and volunteering with her church and local nonprofit organizations. She is a proud graduate of the University of Alabama and enjoys cheering on the Crimson Tide alongside her husband and their two beloved boxers.
Today, Linda is excited to support the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce in her new role. She looks forward to engaging with members, building meaningful connections, and helping businesses maximize the value of their Chamber membership. Her passion for service, collaboration, and community makes her a valuable resource for members and a strong advocate for Charlotte's business community.
Community Engagement Specialist – Pauline Mae Allera
Pauline Mae Allera graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, and a minor in Russian. At a young age, she learned about small businesses from her family, and established herself as a freelance illustrator during the Covid Pandemic.
Being the first point of contact for the Chamber, Pauline prioritizes establishing a warm, professional, and helpful environment when interacting with the community. She can speak Japanese, Russian, and Bisaya, a Filipino dialect.
Outside of the Chamber Pauline enjoys watching anime, drawing, playing video games, strength training, and listening to music. You can find her volunteering at the City of Charlotte Animal Shelter on weekends!
Volunteers & Leaders
Our Volunteers & Leaders Make the Difference
The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce is strengthened by the dedication, leadership, and service of our volunteers and community leaders. Their commitment helps create valuable networking opportunities, support local businesses, and advance initiatives that contribute to economic development throughout Charlotte, NC and Mecklenburg County.
Through their involvement on committees, advisory groups, special events, and leadership programs, these volunteers help shape the future of our Chamber and the broader business community. Their expertise, passion, and willingness to serve create meaningful connections, foster professional growth, and support regional economic success.
Simply put, the impact of the Charlotte Area Chamber would not be possible without the volunteers and leaders who invest their time, talents, and resources to help businesses and our community thrive.