Long-Time Employees Laura Green and Shannon Higbie Ascend to Vice Presidents of Engagement and Administration Respectively; Their Combined Four Decades of Service Honored
Ray Hernandez, IOM President & CEO of the Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce
recently announced staff organizational changes. Laura Green’s title is now Vice President of
Engagement, Shannon Higbie is now Vice President of Administration. Ms. Green will celebrate
20 years with the chamber as of July 1 st . Over the course of her engagement with the chamber
her title and responsibilities have changed from program coordinator, events manager, events &
communications manager, and this latest change will better reflect the professional role she
maintains. About 15 years ago she took on the responsibly as the Chamber lead staff liaison to
the Huntsville Leadership Institute which has evolved to the successful program it is today.
Laura will continue to be responsible for communications and leadership programming but will
take on additional responsibilities as it relates to all special events including the Chamber’s
Annual Gala. Next year, she will also take on the lead staff role for the Professional Business
Women’s Luncheon. In the CEO absence Laura will be the lead staff member.
“Laura is an essential part of our team, and I am grateful for her continued commitment, hard
work and dedication to excellence,” said Ray Hernandez, President, and CEO of the Huntsville
Walker County Chamber of Commerce. “Much of what our organization has accomplished in the
last twenty years is directly linked to Laura, so this promotion is very much deserved, and I
believe long overdue.”
Through her tenure, Laura has increased engagement and financial success of the Huntsville
Walker County Chamber — averaging involvement in over 150 events/committee meetings a
year as well as leading all our major events alongside a great cadre of volunteers.
“Over the past 20 years I have had the privilege to work for an organization that sets high
standards for its employees, community, and members. The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber
of Commerce has had continued success in all areas and our team prides itself on working
diligently every day to provide avenues that are beneficial to our membership as well as to our
community.” Green said. “I am honored that our CEO has placed his trust in me to continue
these efforts and to help grow the organization to even greater heights in this new role. I have
had several mentors and friends over the years, and I appreciate all their support. I look
forward to what the future holds in my career and for Huntsville and Walker County.”
Laura earned an associate degree in general business from Temple Junior College. She
completed the Fundamentals of Chamber Management through the Center for Chamber of
Commerce Excellence and is in her third year of completing her Institute of Organizational
Management (IOM) certification through the United Sates Chamber of Commerce at the
University of Georgia in Athens Texas with plans to graduate in 2024. Laura is a graduate of the
Huntsville Leadership Institute Class 25. Laura has lived in Huntsville since 1991, she is a
member of Northside Baptist Church and a lifetime member of the Walker County Fair.
Shannon Higbie celebrated 20 years with the Huntsville Walker County Chamber on January 1
of this year. Shannon was hired with the title of Office manager 20 years ago but over the
course of time her role and responsibilities have shifted based on staffing levels and needs.
“Shannon is a key part of our team, and I appreciate her for her continued commitment, financial
mind and drive to continued learning,” said Ray Hernandez, President, and CEO of the
Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce. “Under Shannon’s oversight our organization
has achieved favorable financial audits for the past 20 years. Shannon leads the Member
Orientation program and has been the administrative and financial expert for the office.”
She will continue to be the liaison staff member of our Leads Exchange Networking group,
Tourism committee and the Scholarship committee. This title change reflects more appropriately
all that Shannon does for the Chamber of Commerce.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to grow and develop in this new role,” Higbie said. “I look
forward to advancing the efforts of our organization while strengthening our business
community. I love serving our community, and I appreciate the people who have encouraged
and supported me over the past twenty years.”
While she was born in London, England she was raised in Texas and has called Huntsville
home for more than thirty years. She earned BA in English from Sam Houston State
University and is a graduate of Huntsville Leadership Institute Class 39. She is currently in her
third year of completing the US Chamber Institute for Organization Management (IOM)
certification at the University of Georgia in Athens Texas with plans to graduate in 2024.
Mission of Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce:
To promote an environment to enhance the economic success of business in Walker County.
Related Links:
Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce
