Get to Know Us

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This is not your father’s chamber of commerce!

Let’s face it. Businesses don’t conduct business the way they used to 20, 10 or even five years ago. So why should the organization that serves the business community operate within an old model?

In this section:

The Chamber at a Glance

 The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce is a bold, dynamic organization that serves the needs of businesses, non-profits and government agencies of all sizes. There’s no other organization that can connect you to all of these various groups better than the Durham Chamber.

Once you learn a little more about what we do to not only support businesses here, but how our work impacts the entire community, we are confident that you’ll be ready to engage with us. Not to mention, our greatest resource – our stellar staff. You’ll soon see how they can be a resource for you and your business!

Who We Are

Established in 1906, the Chamber has been an integral part of the Durham community for more than 100 years. Businesses, organizations, and agencies choose to be a part of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce because it is a thriving, pro-active business leadership organization. They recognize that by working together through the Chamber they can help build a prosperous, healthy community for businesses and residents.

Mission

The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization that serves its members by helping to create and sustain a healthy economic climate.

Vision

Through leadership and collaboration, engage the Greater Durham business community, elected officials and regional partners in proactive business initiatives that foster Durham’s innovative business environment and create opportunities for Durham and its residents to thrive and grow.

Board of Directors

Chairman

Michael Schoenfeld
VP Public Affairs & Gov. Relations
Duke University

Executive Committee

Michael Schoenfeld
Chair
Duke University

John D. Messick, II
Immediate Past Chair
Wells Fargo

MaryAnn E. Black, MSW, LCSW
Duke University Health System

William J. Brian, Jr.
K & L Gates, L.L.P.

Keith Burns
Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

George Habel
Capitol Broadcasting Company
Durham Bulls Baseball Club

Anthony J. Pugliese, CPA, CITP
AICPA

John J. Wagner
Merck & Company, Inc.

Lisa Yarborough
SunTrust Bank

Casey Steinbacher
Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce

Elected & Appointed Directors

Madhu Beriwal
IEM

MaryAnn E. Black, MSW, LCSW
Duke University Health System

William J. Brian, Jr.
K & L Gates, L.L.P.

Keith Burns
Morris, Manning & Martin

Charlene Foley
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina

James Forrest, ESQ.
Forrest Firm, P.C.

Justin Gehtland
Relevance Inc.

Isaac Green, CFA
Piedmont Investment Advisors, LLC

George Habel
Capital Broadcasting Company/Durham Bulls Baseball Club

Deidra Haj
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival

Scott Harmon
Center Studio Architecture

Susan Harnett
Replay Photos

Aaron Houghton
Preaton/iContact

John Idler
ABC 11

Dr. William Ingram
Durham Technical Community College

John D. Messick, II
Wachovia A Wells Fargo Company, NA

Steve Pearson
IBM

Anthony J. Pugliese, CPA
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Michael Shoenfeld
Duke University

John J. Wagner
Merck & Company, Inc.

John Warasila, AIA
Alliance Architecture, PC

Kerry Watson
Durham Regional Hospital

Lisa Yarborough, CFP
SunTrust

Community Advisory Board

Michael Schoenfeld
Chair
Duke University

Dr. Eric Becoats
Durham Public Schools

Mayor William V. (Bill) Bell
City of Durham

Laura Benson
Durham's Partnership for Children

MaryAnn E. Black, MSW, LCSW
Duke University Health System

Sherry L. DeVries
Durham Arts Council

Shelly Green
Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau

Dr. William G. Ingram
Durham Technical Community College

William A. Kalkhof
Downtown Durham, Inc.

Rev. Michael D. Page
Durham County Board of Commissioners

Starla H. Tanner
North Carolina Central University

Dr. Phail Wynn, Jr., Ed.D., M.B.A
Duke University

Staff

Nicole Beatty

Membership Services Coordinator

Email: nbeatty AT durhamchamber DOT org
Phone: 919.328.8733

Joined the Chamber staff: July 2011

Role at the Durham Chamber: Nicole links Durham Chamber members with various aspects of the Chamber to help them reach their membership goals – basically, the go-to-girl if you have an event, person, or place that you would like to connect with. She leads the charge to engage Ambassadors and also serves as the staff liaison for Durham Young Professionals and Small Business Council.  

More about Nicole

Favorite childhood book: “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”

If you could possess any super power, what would it be? Mindreading/telepathy

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?  Sarah Jessica Parker

What is the first thing you would do with one million dollars? Buy a plane ticket to Bali

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A pilot

Rock, Paper or Scissors? paper

Favorite food:  salsa and tortilla chips

Where’s Waldo? In the Used-Bookstore

What songs are included in the soundtrack of your life? “Fly Away” Lenny Kravitz; “Where is the Love” Black Eyed Peas; “One” U2

Nicest thing you’ve done for someone:  Gave up my seat on a plane so that a mother/infant going standby could get out on the last flight that night

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Fly

Adrian Brown

Investor Relations Director

Email: abrown AT durhamchamber DOT org
Phone: 919.328.8735

Joined the Chamber staff:  April 2009

Role at the Durham Chamber: Adrian, also known as the Chamber’s Chief Connections Officer, works to develop relationships to facilitate meaningful connections for Chamber members. He’s the Chamber’s “man on the street” – meeting with a number of business and organizations daily to share the benefits of Chamber membership.

More about Adrian

Favorite childhood book:  “Green Eggs & Ham”

If you could possess any super power, what would it be? Instant understanding of other languages, so when I travel the world spending my $1M (see below) I’d be able to order fluently from any menu.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?  Wilson Cruze

What is the first thing you would do with one million dollars?  Count the zeros!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  An interior designer

Rock, Paper or Scissors? Paper (because Origami puts the world at your fingertips)

Favorite food:  Thai

Where’s Waldo?  Huh?

What songs are included in the soundtrack of your life?  “Don’t rain on my parade” Barbara Steisand; “I’m coming out” Diana Ross;  “Mambo Italiano” Dean Martin; “ The suburbs” Arcade Fire

Nicest thing you’ve done for someone:  Well, my mom still talks about that ash tray I made her in the 3rd grade.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?  Play an instrument

Ted Conner

Vice President of Economic Development and Community Sustainability

Email: tconner AT durhamchamber DOT org
Phone: 919.328.8750

Joined the Chamber Staff: 1990

Role at the Durham Chamber: Ted is responsible for recruiting new industry to Durham County, as well as work with larger, existing industries to grow and prosper here.  Ensuring that Durham’s economy remains vibrant, Ted and the economic development team identify new and expanding industries to diversify the business base. In his 21 years at the Chamber, Ted has assisted hundreds of companies relocate or expand operations, generating billions of dollars of investment in Durham.

More about Ted

Favorite childhood book: I do not have a favorite book or author, rather it depends upon my interest and motivation at the moment I pick up a book…and what I want to learn of achieve by the activity.

If you could possess any super power, what would it be? Convince others to listen, understand and accept others’ view of life and respect others’ positions and make educated and cogent decisions. It would be great if all would accept my thoughts and positions as the ultimate elevated truth in life.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you? George Clooney or Bruce Willis…George because he is as handsome, smart and charming as I am and Bruce Willis because he is action oriented and fearless as I am.

What is the first thing you would do with one million dollars? Figure out how to leverage the money to earn another million that can be used to make Durham an even better community!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A handsome devil that could make a positive impact or difference in the world - a catalyst for making good things happen.

Rock, Paper or Scissors? I prefer solutions derived using my mind, not chance.

Favorite food:  A great hamburger or tantalizing pasta

What songs are included in the soundtrack of your life? “Everyone is a Star”, Sly and the Family Stone; “I’m your Captain” Grand Funk Railroad; “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” Otis Redding; “Reeling in the Years” Steely Dan; “Celebration” Kool & The Gang

Nicest thing you’ve done for someone: Performed favors for folks who are ill when not asked; to take extra step to provide insight into issues and solutions to issues before the person.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Learn more about and better understand the human psyche.

Sheena Johnson Cooper

Director of Communications & Marketing

Email: sjohnson AT durhamchamber DOT org
Phone: 919.328.8722

Join the Chamber Staff: September 2005

Role at the Durham Chamber: Sheena oversees all aspects of Chamber branding and messaging including the Chamber’s website, all printed materials and publications, media relations, advertising and social media. She is responsible for promoting not only Durham Chamber initiatives and activities, but also the success of Chamber members and the business community.

More about Sheena

Favorite childhood book: “The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe”

If you could possess any super power, what would it be? Ability to clone myself – So much to do…so little time, another person or two would help!

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you? Raven-Symone

What is the first thing you would do with one million dollars? Start a scholarship fund and pay bills

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader

Rock, Paper or Scissors? Solid as a rock!

Favorite food: Homemade Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Where’s Waldo? Hiding, duh!

What songs are included in the soundtrack of your life? “Off the Wall” Michal Jackson; “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” Cyndi Lauper; “Touch the Sky” Kanye West; “Bittersweet Symphony” The Verve; “So Ambitious” Jay-Z; “Shining Star” Earth Wind & Fire; “Proud Mary” Tina Turner; “At Last” Etta James

Nicest thing you’ve done for someone: Volunteer my time to improve their situation, even if it was just for a moment

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? SING!!!

Kathy Hoffmeier, CPC, CTS

Director of Talent and Workforce Development

Email: khoffmeier AT durhamchamber DOT org
Phone: 919.328.8752

Joined the Chamber staff: February 2005

Role at the Durham Chamber:  Kathy works to ensure Durham’s “home-grown” talent pipeline is meeting the demands of local businesses through initiatives and programs ranging from birth through lifelong learning. Under Kathy’s leadership, the Durham Chamber became the inaugural winner of the national Community Competitiveness Award presented by the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for a Competitive Workforce in 2007. This award recognizes a chamber and a community that is successful in building partnerships to generate positive, sustainable change within their community.

More about Kathy

Favorite childhood book: “Little House on the Prairie”

If you could possess any super power, what would it be? The power to turn greedy people into toads! Seriously, what a better world we would have, if humans were kinder to each other and the environment! Additionally, I would like the ability to provide a mentor for every child in Durham seeking one, and a paid internship for every local high school and college student.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?  Sally Field

What is the first thing you would do with one million dollars?  1. Host a party for family and friends; with a live band, of course! 2. Take my extended family on a cruise 3. Create a foundation to match high school and college students with internships, pay their salary and provide transportation as needed; reward participating companies.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A high school guidance counselor

Favorite food: sweet potato fries

What songs are included in the soundtrack of your life? “Brown Eyed Girl” Van Morrison; “With You” Josh Groban

Nicest thing you’ve done for someone:  Helped my children become independent young adults (ask me about my family’s allowance plan!)

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?  Play the piano

Dennis A. Jarmon, Sr.

Employment Specialist, 3 Easy Steps to Employment Program

Email: djarmon AT durhamcountync DOT gov
Phone: 919.560.0500

Joined the Chamber: 2004

Role at the Durham Chamber: Dennis works with individuals in our community the have barriers to employment (formerly incarcerated and other categories of ex-offenders) to enhance their employability by teaching soft/social skills, interview techniques, resume development and various other employment related skills.  Additionally, Dennis works to educate the general public and the business community about employing individuals with barriers.

More about Dennis

Favorite Childhood Movie: “The Ten Commandments” (and it still is to this very day)

If you could possess any super power, what would it be?  It would be to have the ability to teleport back in time.  There are so many iconic and unsung individuals that shaped the history of various civilizations and cultures that I wish I could have met.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role, as you? Don Cheadle

What is the first thing that you would do with a million dollars?  I would donate 10% to my church and ask that it be earmarked to build a structure with my Grandmother’s name included in it.  She was a very beautiful, giving, cornerstone of our church.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  I honestly used to tell people that I wanted to be the first Black President of the United States.  I guess Obama beat me to it.

What songs are included in the soundtrack of your life? “We Are Family” Sister Sledge; “Living for the Weekend” O’Jays; “That’s What Friends Are For” D. Warwick & Friends; “I’m Stoned in Love With You” The Stylistics;  and, “Amazing Grace”

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?  Play the piano

Nicest thing you’ve done for someone? Sacrificed myself so that someone could have, while I went without.  I do it every day for my children.

Adam Klein

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Email: aklein AT durhamchamber DOT org
Phone: 919.328.8755

Joined the Chamber: August 2010

Role at the Durham Chamber: Adam is responsible for leading the Chamber’s entrepreneurship efforts and accelerating Durham’s position as the hub for entrepreneurship in the Southeast. He is particularly focused on serving and supporting entrepreneurs in the software, IT, and gaming industries. Adam leads the Bull City Startup Stampede, an initiative that brings 10-15 startups to downtown Durham for 60 days and covers all costs to the startups. He also takes on varied special projects.

More about Adam

Favorite childhood book: Any “Choose Your Own Adventure” book.

If you could possess any super power, what would it be? Time travel—it would make Mondays easier.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you? Kermit the Frog—for his eyes.

What is the first thing you would do with one million dollars? Take a two-month trip to Australia with my wife.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? An astronomer.

Rock, Paper or Scissors? I’m more of a ‘flip-a-coin’ kind of guy.

Favorite food: Pizza—I eat it about four times a week. I also love the burritos at Guajillos.

Where’s Waldo? In the trunk of Adrian’s car.

What songs are included in the soundtrack of your life? “Carmen Ohio”; “Forgiveness” Patty Griffin; “Cleveland Rocks” Ian Hunter; “Oh my sweet Carolina” Ryan Adams

Nicest thing you’ve done for someone: Told them to come to Durham.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? How to fade a golf ball.

Jackie McLaughlin

Finance Director

Email: jmclaughlin AT durhamchamber DOT org
Phone: 919.328.8720

Joined the Chamber staff: September 2010

Role at the Durham Chamber: Jackie is responsible for the financial processing and reporting for the organization. She also handles technology and contractual issues.

More about Jackie

Favorite childhood book: Anything by Dr. Seuss

If you could possess any super power, what would it be? The ability to fly

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you? Julia Roberts

What is the first thing you would do with one million dollars? Travel

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I’ve always loved numbers

Rock, Paper or Scissors? Scissors

Favorite food: All things pasta and chocolate

Where’s Waldo? In a book

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Play the piano proficiently

Mable Rogers

Director of Membership Operations

Email: mrogers AT durhamchamber DOT org
Phone: 919.328.8731

Joined the Chamber staff: January 1973

Role at the Durham Chamber: Mable handles the day-to-day membership duties and tasks. She is also responsible for event planning and logistics for all Chamber events and programs.

More about Mable

Favorite childhood book: Dick and Jane

If you could possess any super power, what would it be? I already have one; telling the total, honest truth

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you? Angela Basset

What is the first thing you would do with one million dollars? Hope that someone I know obtains the same amount

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  Whatever opportunity was available

Rock, Paper or Scissors? Rock

Favorite food: Chocolate

Where’s Waldo? Italian restaurants

What songs are included in the soundtrack of your life? “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”, The Stylistics; “I am Every Woman” Chaka Khan

Nicest thing you’ve done for someone: Being Born

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?  To be patient

Casey Steinbacher, CCE

President & CEO

Joined the Chamber staff: October 2007

Email: csteinbacher AT durhamchamber DOT org
Phone: 919.328.8710

Role at the Durham Chamber: Casey is responsible for sifting through the millions of crazy, creative ideas the staff of the chamber routinely throw at her to determine which ones pass the ...”that’s so Durham” test.....and get put into practice to ensure a vibrant Durham business community. In between those decisions, she works with businesses to help connect them to Durham opportunities in addition to working with Durham to connect it to business opportunities. This requires her to go to A LOT of meetings and eat A LOT of chicken.

More about Casey

Favorite Childhood Book:  Read every Nancy Drew mystery every written

If you could possess any super power, what would it be? The power to travel through time...need more time with my grandkids that live far away

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you? Drew Barrymore in my younger years....Jamie Lee Curtis now

What is the first thing you would do with one million dollars?  Move all my children to Durham NC

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Trainer for Shamu the Whale at Sea World

Rock, Paper or Scissors? Rock, Paper, Scissors....I’ve been all at some time in my life

Favorite food:  Too many to list....vanilla ice cream sundae with chocolate and carmel sauce

Where’s Waldo?  At the Hofbrauhaus in Bavaria

What songs are included in the soundtrack of your life?  “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough” Diana Ross; “I’ve had the Time of My Life” Bill Medley; “Footloose” Kenny Loggins

Nicest thing you’ve done for someone:  I promised God that they were between me, him, and the people I do it for

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?  A foreign language

Allison White

Information Specialist/Receptionist

Joined the Chamber staff: October 1988

Email: awhite AT durhamchamber DOT org
Phone: 919.328.8701

Role at the Durham Chamber: Allison is responsible for promoting Durham and answering any known question on earth about Durham. Allison refers member organizations to those seeking services and assists with member inquiries, Chamber events and general office operations.

More about Allison

Favorite childhood book: “James & the Giant Peach”

If you could possess any super power, what would it be? Make cars run without fuel, no calories in food, cure for wrinkles, stop pet overpopulation and make parents responsible for raising their own children.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you? Kim Richards from the Escape from Witch Mountain Disney movies. I looked just like her at that age.

What is the first thing you would do with one million dollars? Buy boots in every color

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian like most kids

Rock, Paper or Scissors? Scissors

Favorite food: Popcorn with extra greasy dripping butter

Where’s Waldo? At Beyu Caffé

What songs are included in the soundtrack of your life? All Eighties music!!

Nicest thing you’ve done for someone: To give someone a gift/donation and not include your name on it. There is no need to receive recognition for giving someone cheers; it will bring you the most cheer also.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Would love to learn carpentry, but I’m afraid of a saw.

John White

Director of Public Policy

Joined the Chamber staff: January 2009

Email: jwhite AT durhamchamber DOT org
Phone: 919.328.8724

Role at the Durham Chamber: John is the full-time lobbyists for the Chamber and its members, overseeing legislative matters at the local, state and federal levels of government.  To help keep Chamber members informed, he staffs two Chamber committees: the Local, State and Federal Government Committee along with the Transportation Committee.  John also works very closely with community nonprofits, Durham City and County, as well as representatives from local Universities and Colleges. 

More about John

Favorite childhood book: “Charlotte’s Web”  

If you could possess any super power, what would it be? A magic wand that would enable citizens, businesses and politicians the ability to broker deals with ease!

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you? Cuba Gooding, Jr.

What is the first thing you would do with one million dollars? Sit on some and create a fund that annually assists a few young people who do not have the means, but the desire to, attend college and travel outside the U.S.!    

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? An attorney

Rock, Paper or Scissors? Paper

Favorite food: Sautéed Spinach

Where’s Waldo? Margaritaville!

What songs are included in the soundtrack of your life? “ Blackbird” The Beatles; “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”Bobby McFerrin; “With a Little Help” Joe Cocker

Nicest thing you’ve done for someone: Respect all people, regardless of anything that makes them unique.   

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Perfect my golf game!

Annual Report

The Annual Report provides a look at the previous year's strategic objectives, demonstrating the positive alignment between initiatives, actions and outcomes.

Click here to view the 2011 Annual Report.

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