Russell J. "Rusty" Hammer Memorial Scholarship Award
The Russell J. “Rusty” Hammer Memorial Scholarship Award has been established by the Western Association of Chamber Executives to annually recognize a chamber chief executive who best exemplifies excellence and professionalism and is deemed to have the potential to be a future chamber industry leader. The award is given in recognition of Russell J. “Rusty” Hammer, who was named W.A.C.E. Executive of the Year in 2002 and served as Chairman of the Board of the association in 2003. Rusty, who served as CEO of the Sacramento Metro and Los Angeles Area Chambers of Commerce, sadly had his life and career cut short in 2008 after a several-year battle with leukemia. Because of his interest in the Academy program and furthering the professionalism of chamber of commerce executives, W.A.C.E. has decided to link the Russell J. “Rusty” Hammer Award with the program by awarding the recipient a full-tuition 3rd year Academy scholarship.
2024 Recipient: Bo Hellams Bullhead Area (AZ) Chamber
(L) Bo Hellams, President/CEO of the Bullhead Area (AZ) Chamber is presented with the 2023 Hammer Award by (R) Josh Crossm past recipient and President/CEO from the Atascadero (CA) Chamber.
Award Eligibility: To qualify for the Rusty Hammer Memorial Scholarship Award, applicants must meet the following criteria
Must be a full-time chief executive of a chamber of commerce.
Must be a W.A.C.E. member in good standing.
Must have successfully completed the 2nd year program of Academy.
Must attend the annual W.A.C.E. conference and, if selected as a finalist, be available for a Zoom interview with the selection committee.
Upon receiving the award, must agree to enroll in 3rd year Academy.
