Following a lengthy search, the Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of Michelle Epling as its new Executive Director, effective Nov. 8.

The Chamber of Commerce has been without an Executive Director since 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic halted its search for a new ED in early 2020, with Epling’s arrival heralding a new chapter in the Chamber’s development.

According to Board member Jan Bias, “the Board is extremely excited to have Michelle as our new Executive Director knowing she will re-energize the Madison Chamber of Commerce moving forward!”

Epling, a Grissom High School graduate, graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Business Administration – Marketing before moving to Madison in 2006. In addition to her love for the city of Madison, Epling brings extensive and wide-ranging experience from business development, corporate direct sales and sales coaching, entrepreneurship, and volunteerism with several major nonprofit organizations.

A former account executive with Huntsville EVENT Magazine, Epling is currently a Senior Executive of Sales and Marketing at Newberry Pecans, her family’s business. She also serves as VP of Programs for the Midtown Elementary PTA and is a member of the Women’s Economic Development Council.

Epling strives to lead the Madison Chamber of Commerce to the next era of growth and prosperity. “I am looking forward to continuing to build and grow the great traditions we have at the Madison Chamber of Commerce and partnerships with the City of Madison and our community to continue to add value to our chamber memberships to help grow all local businesses and continue to find new and innovative partnerships to bring the community together.”