Shannon Higbie Earns IOM Graduate Recognition from U.S. Chamber of Commerce

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Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce VP Completes Esteemed Leadership Program

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Shannon Higbie, IOM, Vice President of Administration, of the Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours towards the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE), certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I had to attend this program and receive my certification.  The information I learned will benefit our chamber in many ways.  I love the service that chambers of commerce provide for their community and members.  The connection and friendships made over the past four years with my classmates, instructors and institute staff are a priceless bonus to the program”, states Higbie.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

“On behalf of the Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Ambassadors, members, partners and staff I am sharing a massive congratulations to our VP of Administration Shannon Higbie,: said Ray Hernandez, IOM President and CEO of the Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce. CEO Hernandez went on to say,” After over twenty-one years as the longest serving staff member of our chamber Shannon took on the challenge alongside a great cadre of non-profit professionals in the chamber of commerce and association industry as a fully credentialed professional with the IOM designation and I could not be more proud to work alongside her. The knowledge and skills Shannon maintains will continue to provide an environment in the greater Walker County community for positive economic growth. 

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively. Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations. For more information visit institute.uschamber.com.