Albertville Chamber Adopts Updated Governance Structure and Enhanced Employee Benefits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Albertville Chamber Adopts Updated Governance Structure and Enhanced Employee Benefits
ALBERTVILLE, Ala. — September 8, 2026 — The Albertville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently approved a series of organizational updates designed to strengthen the Chamber for the future, including the adoption of updated bylaws and enhanced employee leave policies.
The updated bylaws, adopted September 3, modernize the Chamber’s governance structure, more clearly define the responsibilities of the Board of Directors and professional staff, strengthen organizational accountability, and establish a framework designed to serve the Chamber as it continues to grow.
As part of the updated governance structure, the Chamber’s chief professional executive will now hold the title of President & Chief Executive Officer, changing Stan Witherow, IOM’s title from President to President & CEO.
The designation more clearly distinguishes the responsibilities of the Chamber’s volunteer leadership from those of its professional staff. The Chairperson leads the Board of Directors, which is responsible for governance, strategic direction, policy and fiduciary oversight, while the President & CEO serves as the organization’s chief executive and is responsible for staff, operations and implementation of the Board’s strategic direction.
“As the Chamber has grown and evolved, the Board felt it was important that our governance structure grow with it,” said Miranda Humphrey, Chairperson of the Albertville Chamber Board of Directors. “These changes provide greater clarity and accountability while helping ensure the organization is positioned for continued success.”
In addition to strengthening its governance practices, the Board recently adopted enhanced employee leave policies as part of the Chamber’s continued investment in its staff. The updates include a new Leave Time Donation Policy and Paid Parental and Childbirth Recovery Leave Policy, providing additional support to employees during significant life events.
Under the new parental leave policy, eligible employees may receive up to two weeks of paid parental leave following the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child. An eligible employee who gives birth may receive an additional six weeks of paid childbirth recovery leave, providing up to eight consecutive weeks of Chamber-provided paid leave following childbirth. The policy also provides expanded leave provisions for adoption.
“With everything we do for our members and community, it is equally important that we take care of the people who make that work possible,” said Witherow. “We talk a lot about building a strong organization for the future, and that includes investing in our employees. Strengthening our governance and strengthening how we support our team are both important parts of organizational excellence.”
Witherow has served as President of the Albertville Chamber of Commerce since January 2019. The change to President & CEO does not represent a change in personnel but formally recognizes the executive responsibilities associated with the position and establishes a clearer leadership structure for the organization moving forward.
The updated bylaws also more clearly define the responsibilities of Chamber officers, strengthen the distinction between governance and management, clarify the authority of the Executive Committee, and enhance governance and accountability practices.
Together, the changes reflect the Chamber’s commitment to building a sustainable organization capable of serving its members, supporting its employees and advancing the Albertville and Sand Mountain business community for years to come.
The Albertville Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to champion a thriving business community by promoting economic growth, enhancing quality of life, and supporting local businesses in Albertville and the Sand Mountain region.
Media Contact:
Albertville Chamber of Commerce
316 East Sand Mountain Drive
Albertville, AL 35950
256-878-3821
albertvillechamberofcommerce.com