FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jessica Reilly
Director of Communications
Union County Chamber
Email: jessica@unioncountycoc.com
Phone: (704) 289-4567
Website: www.unioncountycoc.com
 

Union County Chamber Names Clayton Whitson, IOM, as Next President and Chief Executive Officer

Veteran chamber leader to assume the role January 5, 2026

MONROE, N.C. (November 14, 2025) – Following a nationwide search for a visionary leader, the Union County Chamber announced today that Clayton Whitson, IOM, has been selected as its next president and chief executive officer. He will assume the role on January 5, 2026.

Whitson currently serves as president and CEO of the Madison County Chamber in Anderson, Indiana, where he has led the organization’s strategic direction and growth since 2020. Under his leadership, the Chamber has advanced economic development and advocacy initiatives focused on strengthening the business climate and improving quality of life across Madison County. His accomplishments include leading countywide participation in the Stellar Pathways program and the Rural Empowerment and Development Initiative.

During Whitson’s tenure, the Madison County Chamber earned multiple honors from the Indiana Chamber Executives Association, including being named Indiana Chamber of the Year (2024). In 2023, he was recognized as Indiana Chamber Executive of the Year.

Whitson has also served multiple terms on the Madison County Council, where he oversaw a $38 million budget and chaired the Capital Projects Committee. During his service, he helped complete several major initiatives, including implementation of the county’s P25 public safety radio system, construction of a new public safety complex housing dispatch and community corrections facilities, and completion of the Eisenhower Bridge through a federal TIGER grant.

In addition, Whitson has served on the Elwood Economic Development Commission and several nonprofit boards, including the Ivy Tech Anderson Campus Board of Trustees and the Anderson University Security Studies and Cyber Defense Advisory Board. Prior to leading the Madison County Chamber, he spent nearly eight years as a firefighter for the City of Elwood.

A graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM), Whitson holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University and completed the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute in 2023.

The Union County Chamber Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Whitson.

“Clayton is a strategic, big-picture thinker with a passion for advocating for businesses of all sizes,” said Shane Fraser, chair of the Union County Chamber Board. “He brings a wealth of experience and demonstrated throughout the interview process that he has the vision and focus to elevate our Chamber and advance our mission of advocating for our members and community.”

Fred Edwards, chair of the Search Committee, added:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Clayton as the next leader of our Chamber. His proven track record, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to building strong, successful organizations make him the right person to guide us into the future. We’re excited to welcome Clayton and his wife, Brittanie, to North Carolina and our community.”

To support the national search process, the Chamber engaged Anissa Starnes, IOM, Chief Impact Officer with YGM, LLC, a firm specializing in executive searches for chambers of commerce. Starnes worked closely with a volunteer committee of Chamber leaders throughout the process.

As president and CEO, Whitson will oversee Chamber staff and report to the chair of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. In this role, he will provide leadership and management for the Chamber’s membership, board, staff, and volunteers; guide financial management, marketing, membership development, fundraising, and operations; and implement the annual business plan to advance the goals of the Chamber’s Strategic Plan.

“I’m incredibly honored to step into the role of president and CEO of the Union County Chamber,” said Whitson. “My commitment to advocating for all businesses and my passion for chamber work have prepared me for this opportunity, and I believe the timing couldn’t be better. The Chamber plays a critical role in supporting both the business community and the broader Union County region. I’m excited to partner with the board, members, volunteers, and staff to strengthen the organization, champion local businesses, and promote continued growth and prosperity. On a personal note, my wife and I are equally excited to relocate to this beautiful area and make North Carolina our new home.”

Whitson noted that his top priority will be connecting directly with Chamber members to learn more about their challenges, goals, and how the Chamber can best support them.

“Building strong relationships is essential to our success,” he said. “I’m eager to meet as many members as possible in the weeks and months ahead.”

Whitson succeeds Pat Kahle, IOM, who announced her retirement earlier this year after 11 years of dedicated leadership.

About the Union County Chamber

The Union County Chamber, a 501(c)(6) organization, is a volunteer-led, professionally managed partnership of businesses and organizations committed to a prosperous future for Union County. The Chamber accomplishes this by developing high-trust relationships with stakeholders, creating high-impact engagement opportunities for members, and cultivating leaders who positively influence civic affairs. The Chamber currently represents more than 500 businesses.

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