The Augusta Metro Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of six new members to its Board of Directors for 2026. These new Board members will bring a wealth of expertise and leadership to the organization. The new members are Russell Head, Principal – Employee Benefits at Acrisure; Dr. Kendricks Hooker, President of Augusta Technical College; Dr. Lester McCorn, President of Paine College; Steve Sanders, Partner at Fulcher Hagler LL.; Ashley Strong-Green, Director of Academic Planning & Assessment at Augusta University and Leadership Augusta Appointee; and Russell Wyatt, President of PC Techware and Entrepreneur of the Year Appointee.

Additionally, the Chamber’s Board of Directors has voted on the installation of officers for 2026. Dr. Lily Henson, CEO of Piedmont Augusta, will serve as Chair; Dr. Russell Keen, President of Augusta University, will serve as Chair Elect; and Kerry Bridges, Region Executive at Georgia Power, will serve as Vice Chair. Collette D’Antignac, AVP Retail Banking Manager at Security Federal Bank, will serve as Treasurer. Kimberly Wilder, Partner at Davis Chapman Wilder, will serve as Immediate Past Chair.

The 2026 Executive Committee will also include several At-Large Members: Dennis Trotter, Founding Partner of Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate; Frank Andrew, President of Carole Fabrics; and Jim Thorpe, Vice President of Business Development with Ellefson Transportation Group.

These distinguished individuals will work closely with the rest of the Chamber leadership to continue driving economic growth, community engagement, and pro-business policies throughout the Augusta region.