The Pike County Chamber of Commerce on Friday announced leadership changes for the 2019 year.

Chamber President Kathy Sauer has announced her resignation from the Chamber and Vice President Dana Sanders has been appointed as the new president effective January 1, 2019.

Sauer came to the Chamber in 2011 and since that time has led its growth including strengthening the Chamber’s program of work, committee roles, financial progression and also overseeing a change in the physical location of the Chamber offices to the Downtown Square in Troy. She has been a key figure in many of the events residents of Pike County have enjoyed over the years including the Troy Homecoming Parade as well as the Chamber Annual Banquet and the annual golf tournament.

“We were fortunate to get Kathy when we did and her work here has been admirable in countless areas,” said Chamber Board President Chuck Carson. “She departs us leaving the Chamber on very solid footing and poised for exciting growth in the future. On behalf of the Chamber Board and our membership, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Kathy for her efforts on behalf of businesses in Pike County and our well-wishes to her as she pursues new challenges moving forward.”

Sauer stated that she is “extremely grateful” for the opportunity to serve as President of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce the past seven years.

“My sincere ‘thank you’ to every person, community organization, businesses and government entity that supported our Chamber endeavors to make Pike County what it is today,” she said. “I am proud of the many accomplishments and the growth we have seen as a result of hard work and dedicated community leaders and volunteers throughout the county. It is my personal hope that the Chamber and Pike County continue to grow and that programs and projects are successful in attaining economic and community prosperity in the future.”

Sanders will assume the duties of the president effective Jan. 1, 2019.

“Dana has proven herself as a very capable executive in whom we have great confidence,” Carson said. “Her leadership qualities, community relationships, and integrity make her an ideal fit for the Chamber during this time of transition. I am very excited about the future of the Chamber and know that under Dana’s leadership we will continue to make progress in cultivating a business-friendly environment in Pike County and the surrounding areas. On behalf of the Board, I’d like to congratulate Dana Sanders on this honor and look forward to working with her in 2019 and beyond.”

Sanders came to the Chamber of Commerce in 2018 after a successful stint with the Pike County Economic Development Corporation and also as a school teacher in Pike County.

“I am extremely honored by this opportunity to serve my community,” she said. “I have a commitment to helping the businesses in Pike County thrive and I look forward to making the Chamber a vibrant organization and integral part of the area in which we live.”

The mission of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce is to serve as a leader and catalyst in planning, promoting, and supporting a favorable business climate and improve quality of life in Pike County. Its membership is comprised of businesses, organizations, industries, and professionals who work collectively to ensure a healthy and sound economic environment and the Chamber serves as the primary information bureau of Pike County Alabama. Its offices are located at 101 A East Church St. on the Downtown Square in Troy.