The Douglas County Chamber is proud to announce that President & CEO Sara Ray has been elected Chair-Elect of the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) for the 2026-2027 term.

Ray was elected as part of GACCE's newly installed Executive Committee, which officially began its term on July 1, 2026. She will serve alongside Chair David Bradley of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, First Vice Chair/Secretary Pam Powers-Smith of the Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce, Second Vice Chair/Treasurer Madison Ruttinger of the Thomaston-Upson County Chamber of Commerce, and Immediate Past Chair Christie Moore of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce.

GACCE is the statewide professional association for chamber of commerce executives and staff, dedicated to educating, engaging, and empowering chamber professionals while advancing excellence in chamber leadership throughout Georgia.

"I am honored to serve as Chair-Elect of GACCE and to represent the Douglas County Chamber on a statewide level," said Ray. "Georgia's chambers play a vital role in strengthening local economies, supporting businesses, and building thriving communities. I look forward to working alongside chamber leaders from across the state to continue advancing our profession, sharing innovative ideas, and ensuring chambers remain indispensable partners in economic development."

Ray has served as President & CEO of the Douglas County Chamber since 2018 and has led the organization through significant growth in membership, programming, advocacy, workforce development, and regional partnerships. Under her leadership, the Chamber has earned statewide and national recognition for its innovative initiatives supporting businesses of all sizes.

"Sara's election as Chair-Elect is not only a tremendous honor for her personally, but also for Douglas County," said Douglas County Chamber Board Chair Alicia Doherty. "Her collaborative leadership and forward-thinking approach have made a lasting impact locally, and we know she will bring that same vision and passion to serving chambers across Georgia."

As Chair-Elect, Ray will help guide the strategic direction of GACCE while supporting professional development opportunities and initiatives that strengthen chambers throughout the state. She is expected to assume the role of GACCE Chair during the 2027-2028 term.

In addition to her role with the Douglas County Chamber, Ray serves on numerous local, regional, and statewide boards focused on economic development, workforce, healthcare, and community advancement, further strengthening Douglas County's voice across Georgia.