Staff & Volunteers
Staff
CEO - Jessica Helms
I moved to Charlotte after graduating from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing. I landed in the hospitality industry where I served for almost 20 years with a fantastic company and an amazing team. This was my first introduction to a Chamber of Commerce.
I started by attending networking meetings and events with three different Chambers in the Charlotte area. Our company sponsored Chamber events as well and my network of business connections and friends grew. In 2012, I joined the board of the SouthPark Chapter of the legacy Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, serving as Chair in 2017 and later, Chair of the merged entity Charlotte Regional Business Alliance in 2019.
I have also had the honor to serve on the Board of the National Association for Catering and Events (2005-2011), The Sandbox (2017-2018), North Carolina Business Travel Association (2019 – 2020), and Ace & TJ’s Radio Family Charity (2018 – Present).
The saying, “it’s not what you know, but who you know” is true. For me, the Chamber was an integral part of building my “who you know”. I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to build connections for others in the Charlotte business community through the NEW Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce.
COO - Michael Orzech
In 2003, I left the corporate world and started a new business. My mentor, who had been in the business for 20 years, and books I was reading at the time, both suggested joining the local Chamber of Commerce, so I did. Within the first year of business, I was on the board of one Chamber, a member of another and thinking about joining a third, when we decided to move to Charlotte. The first thing I did when I moved to Charlotte was to join the legacy Charlotte Chamber at the time and many other membership based organizations. For several years, sixty percent of my business was coming from the connections I made at the Chamber.
The legacy Chamber was also involved in local government which allowed me to have a seat on the Mayor’s Business Advisory Committee for 6 years as a Chamber representative. I was also given the opportunity to serve on the Board of the University City Chapter for 6 years, be a chamber ambassador, connector, work on the annual campaign for 10 years, and volunteered on committees for special events. Participating in all these things lead to meeting people who could help me with my business and become good friends along the way.
When the opportunity arose to start a NEW Chamber of Commerce, colleagues and friends encouraged us to start it and said we needed it. I think they felt the same way I did.
Moving forward with the New Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce, I am looking forward to helping people connect and grow and to build a strong business community that supports local businesses long into the future.
Administrative Assistant - Hanaa Chrestia
My career started in the restaurant and bar industry, where I spent 12 years immersing myself in various roles. This experience not only enriched my understanding of business operations but also deepened my connection with the Charlotte community. With a desire to foster growth and success in our area, I returned to academia. My goal was clear: to equip myself with the skills necessary to support and elevate small businesses in our region. I believe that the prosperity of local enterprises is intricately linked to their engagement with the community.
It was on this journey that I crossed paths with Michael and Jessica. I am very thankful for them in helping me to embark on this journey with my Charlotte community. As I embark on this exciting new chapter, I am eager to contribute to our collective success. My commitment is to support each of your businesses, helping them not only to thrive but to excel in every aspect. I look forward to collaborating, learning, and growing alongside each of you in the vibrant Charlotte business community Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce.
Volunteers
Ambassadors Committee
The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are essential in member communication, engagement, and retention. These enthusiastic volunteers attend ribbon-cutting ceremonies, welcome new members, and serve as advocates for the chamber.
They are volunteers who help guide new members through the programs, services, and opportunities the Chamber offers. Their tasks include conveying member needs, answering questions, and ensuring members understand the full scope of offerings the chamber provides.
Essentially, they serve as the friendly face and connection to the chamber, encouraging member involvement and value from their membership.
View All the Ambassadors
Programs Committee
The Charlotte Area Chamber’s Programs Committee is committed to bringing outstanding programming for the member and business community. The Charlotte Area Chamber provides a valuable platform for networking, professional growth, and community engagement. While making connections and supporting each other, the chamber is committed to helping business growth and positively impacting the Charlotte community.
Highlights:
Educational Sessions: Developed by the Programs Committee for business
professionals, it features educational, inspirational, and motivational speakers.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow business professionals in Charlotte.
View the Committee
Public Policy Committee
Public Policy Committee Chair - Bryan Holladay
Bryan Holladay is an expert in local politics. Over the last two decades, he has used his expertise in Charlotte politics to help organizations with their public affairs management, professional networking and executing grassroots initiatives within the Charlotte region. Bryan is a Principal at CLT Public Relations, a boutique Government Affairs Firm that focuses on advocacy and networking services in for the greater Charlotte market.
Women In Business Committee
The Women In Business Committee works together to provide a variety of educational, volunteer, and social events for the women in our organization. Our goal is to provide inspirational and motivational activities that encourage women to grow and connect with each other both personally and professionally.
Highlights:
Educational Sessions: Curated by business women for business women, the conference features educational, inspirational, and motivational speakers. Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow female business owners, CEOs, entrepreneurs, executives, founders, and professionals. Annual Women in Business Conference, hosted by the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce.
View the Committee
Young Professionals Committee
The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals is a vibrant network of future change-makers and budding business minds. They aim to bring together “young professional-minded” individuals eager to connect, learn new skills, and explore the dynamic Charlotte area.
They host informal networking, educational events, and community volunteer events where members can meet the Chamber’s Young Professional Committee, forge new connections, and share ideas for the group’s growth. These gatherings provide a platform for young professionals to exchange business cards, collaborate, and contribute to the community.
This group plays a crucial role in fostering connections, professional growth, and community impact for young professionals in the Charlotte area.