Chamber Board Names Chantel Higdon as Next Executive Director
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Chantel Higdon as the Chamber's next Executive Director. Higdon will officially assume the role on August 3, 2026, working alongside current Executive Director Cecilia Murray during a brief transition period before Murray's retirement on August 14, following her many years of dedicated service to the Chamber.
Higdon brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in business operations, financial management, banking, and customer service. She currently serves as the General Manager of Liberty Park Apartments in St. Robert, where she has successfully led daily operations, financial oversight, team development, and customer relations, maintaining exceptional operational performance. Her professional background also includes leadership roles with U.S. Bank, Arvest Bank, Northrim Bank, and the American Cancer Society.
In addition to her professional experience, Higdon has long been an active leader within the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Chamber Ambassador Board and previously served as both President and Vice President of the Ambassador Club. She is also a graduate of Leadership Pulaski County Class 10 and has held leadership positions within the Leadership Pulaski County Alumni Association, reflecting her longstanding commitment to serving our community.
“The Board is excited to welcome Chantel into this role and believes her passion for our community and professional background, paired with her extensive volunteerism with our Chamber, make her the right choice to lead our Chamber into this next season,” said Brett Reith, President of the Chamber Board of Directors. “She understands the mission of the Chamber, has built strong relationships throughout our community, and brings the leadership experience necessary to continue serving and strengthening our local business community."
Higdon said she is honored by the opportunity to serve in the position. “I am excited to serve the Chamber’s members, champion local businesses, and help strengthen the partnerships that make Waynesville-St. Robert area an outstanding place to live, work, visit, and grow.”
The Chamber Board also expresses its sincere appreciation to Murray for her years of faithful leadership and the significant impact she has made on the organization and the communities it serves. Murray's retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished tenure dedicated to supporting Chamber members, fostering economic growth, and strengthening community partnerships across the region. The Chamber looks forward to celebrating Cecilia and honoring her service during its August Luncheon and Annual Business Meeting on August 14, 2026.
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce is committed to its mission of empowering its members through advocacy, innovation, and collaboration to promote a thriving community throughout the Greater Pulaski County region.