Our Leadership

Leadership Opportunity
Board Nominations & Applications Open through April 15

Board of Directors

The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce is guided by a dedicated team of business leaders committed to strengthening the local economy, supporting our members, and fostering community growth. Our Board of Directors provides strategic governance and direction, ensuring that every initiative aligns with the Chamber’s mission to enhance the business environment and promote balanced growth throughout Louisa County.

The Chamber Staff manages day-to-day operations, member services, and event execution with professionalism and purpose, while our Project and Program Chairs—member-volunteers—lead efforts that drive business development, workforce advancement, and community connection.

Leadership at the Chamber is more than governance—it’s a pathway for members to engage, build relationships, and grow their visibility. Whether you’re greeting guests at an event, serving on a committee, or aspiring to serve on the Board, every level of involvement helps move Louisa County forward and keeps business at the forefront of progress.

<b>Melanie Baker</b></i><br />
Shenandoah Crossing Resport

Melanie Baker
Shenandoah Crossing Resport

Bio

Melanie Baker is the award-winning General Manager of Shenandoah Crossings Resort, where she has consistently demonstrated unparalleled leadership and innovation in the hospitality industry. With extensive experience and a strategic vision, Melanie has transformed the resort into a leading destination, achieving remarkable improvements in guest satisfaction and financial performance. Her dedication to excellence is highlighted by national awards, including the “Dollars & Sense: Best Financial Performance of Company” and the “Outstanding Achievement in Hospitality – Tier 5 Resort of the Year.”

Beyond her role at the resort, Melanie is a passionate advocate for community development and tourism. She has been instrumental in supporting the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, contributing significant resources to community projects and playing a key role in the revitalization of Main Street Louisa. Melanie's commitment to sustainable tourism and her active involvement in the Louisa County Tourism Council underscore her dedication to enhancing both the local economy and the visitor experience.

General Manager

<b>Scott Jefferies </b><br />Piedmont Virginia Community College

Scott Jefferies
Piedmont Virginia Community College

Bio

Dr. Scott L. Jefferies has more than 24 years of leadership, administrative, and teaching experience. Prior to joining Piedmont Virginia Community College as the Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services in April 2023, he served as the Associate Vice President of Finance at Wytheville Community College in Wytheville, VA. Prior to joining Wytheville Community College in November 2021, he was the superintendent for Wythe County Public Schools, serving in this leadership role beginning in July 2018. He previously served as the superintendent for Lexington City Schools in Virginia from 2015-2018. Dr. Jefferies also has experience as an adjunct professor, assistant superintendent, supervisor of secondary schools, high school principal, middle school principal, elementary school principal, high school assistant principal, and secondary math teacher. Dr. Jefferies has a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Mount Union College; a master's degree in Sports Management/Physical Education from Old Dominion University; an education specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from George Washington University; and received his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Vice President for Finance & Adminstrative Services

<b>Jason Devillier</b></i><br /> Charlottesville Albemarle Airport Authority

Jason Devillier
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport Authority

Bio

Director of Operations, Maintenance & Construction

<b>Casey Hollins</b></i><br />
Rappahannock Electric Coop

Casey Hollins
Rappahannock Electric Coop

Bio

Casey Hollins is an award-winning, nationally recognized communications professional. As the Managing Director – Communications and Public Relations for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Casey leads a diverse and highly-skilled communications and public relations team that strategically shapes member experiences at the Cooperative. Casey is an influential, results-oriented, and forward-thinking leader skilled at developing and executing effective messaging, campaigns, and communication strategies that deliver results, improve awareness, and increase overall customer satisfaction and engagement. Casey and her team have the exciting responsibility of implementing effective communications and community engagement strategies that connect, engage and inspire.

Prior to becoming Managing Director, Casey spent nearly a decade as REC's Communications Specialist and then Director of Communications and Public Relations. Casey is also a volunteer for Lake Anna Rescue, Inc. where she co-leads their annual fundraising campaign, the Lake Anna Rescue Lifesavers Challenge. She is a lifelong resident of Louisa County and has supported a variety of non-profits through volunteer work and fundraising efforts. Casey and her family reside in Louisa County.

Managing Director, Communications and Public Relations.

<b>Lee Downey</b></i><br /> Louisa County Public Schools

Lee Downey
Louisa County Public Schools

<b>Philip Gould</b></i><br />Blue Ridge Bank

Philip Gould
Blue Ridge Bank

<b>Sarah Marshall</b></i><br /> Dominion Energy

Sarah Marshall
Dominion Energy

<b>Nate Wash</b></i><br />Haymaker Auto Repair

Nate Wash
Haymaker Auto Repair

<b>Laura Watts</b></i><br /> Berkshire Hathaway

Laura Watts
Berkshire Hathaway

Program Chairs

Board of Directors

Melanie Baker
Shenandoah Crossing Resport

Casey Hollins
Rappahannock Electric Coop

<b>Tracy Hale Clark</b><br />
<i>Executive Director</i><br />

Tracy Hale Clark
Executive Director

Scott Jefferies
Piedmont Virginia Community College

Jason Devillier
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport Authority

<b>Kaitlyn King</b></i><br /> United Bank

Kaitlyn King
United Bank

Staff

Tracy Hale Clark, Executive Director

Tracy Hale Clark has been the Executive Director of the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and the Louisa Forward Foundation since February 2019. With over 30 years of marketing experience, Tracy has significantly enhanced the Chamber's impact and reach. Under her leadership, the Chamber has seen substantial growth in membership and nearly doubled its annual budget through improved programming and grants.

Tracy was instrumental in creating the Louisa Forward Foundation, a 501(c)(3) supporting Chamber initiatives. Her efforts have revitalized Louisa County's business landscape through impactful partnerships and notable achievements.

She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) and was appointed to the Louisa County Tourism Advisory Council. Tracy has held roles as director, treasurer, and currently serves as Secretary for VACCE for 2024-2025. In August 2023, she was named Chamber Executive of the Year by VACCE, recognizing her exemplary performance in Chamber management.

Tracy’s dedication to community development and her strategic leadership continue to drive positive change in Louisa County.

Sarah Close, Office and Member Services

Sarah Close joined the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce with a strong background in administrative excellence and customer service. With experience as an Elementary School Administrative Assistant at East Richland Christian Schools, Sarah has honed skills in data management, office operations, and community engagement.

A recent transplant to Louisa County, she is excited to build connections and contribute to the Chamber's mission of fostering a thriving business environment.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Malone University and brings a proven ability to streamline processes, enhance team efficiency, and deliver exceptional service.