Volunteer with W.A.C.E.

W.A.C.E. elevates the impact of local Chambers by providing professional development education and experiences to Chamber staff. In 2024, the W.A.C.E. Board adopted a multi-year strategic plan built on four key imperatives, several of which commit us to expanding the number and nature of volunteer leadership opportunities for representatives of member Chambers.

W.A.C.E. Committees

W.A.C.E. offers Chamber representatives multiple opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the association’s programming, expand their individual leadership skill set, and create networks within the profession through joint service. Volunteer leadership opportunities are structured through the W.A.C.E. Committees, which include:

Awards & Recognition Committee

Oversees and updates the organization’s awards, recognition, and credentialing programs and processes to ensure that they highlight excellence and accomplishment
2025-2026 priorities include recommending updates and process improvements to W.A.C.E.’s existing Chamber and Individual awards program and managing the 2026 awards process.
2025-2026 Committee Chair: Ann Hutchison, Fort Collins (CO) Chamber

Membership Committee

Oversees membership recruitment & retention programs, and provide oversight of key engagement programs including W.A.C.E. Peer Networks and the Emerging Leaders Council
2025-2026 priorities include updating W.A.C.E.’s new member onboarding and retention processes, developing a network of “key market representatives,” and making recommendations to strengthen and improve the Peer Networks
2025-2026 Chair: Lorraine Clarno, Discover Kalispell (MT) Chamber

Conference Committee

Leads the planning of the W.A.C.E. Annual Conference, including content programming and member experiences.
The 2026 Annual Conference will be held the first week of February in Tucson, AZ.
2025-2026 Chair: Josh Cross, Atascadero (CA) Chamber

Marketing & Communications Committee

Provide support and oversight of W.A.C.E.’s internal and external marketing and communications.
2025-2026 priorities include a refresh of the W.A.C.E. website and developing a communications plan incorporating the Insider newsletter, social media platform, and mass email messaging.
2025-2026 Chair: Deidre Peterson, Shelton-Mason County (WA) Chamber

Education & Professional Development Committee

Oversees W.A.C.E.’s non-conference training and educational programs, including Academy, Academy-Plus, Regional Workshops, Webinars, and the W.A.C..E. Resource Library.
2025-2026 priorities include the adoption of a W.A.C.E. Knowledge Framework to ensure consistent and complementary content across educational programs and the creation of a Operations Manual for the WACE Academy.
2025-2026 Chair: Wendy Laros, Kona-Kohala (HI) Chamber

Membership on WACE Committees is open to any Chamber professional employed by a member Chamber. The committees meet, generally virtually, as they determine necessary to conduct their work.

Volunteer for 2025-2026 Committees

Ready to contribute?
If you are not already a member of a W.A.C.E. Committee and would like to participate this year, complete the interest form below by February 18 to indicate which committee you want to join this year. The W.A.C.E. Executive Committee will formalize committee assignments by February 28.

Committee Interest Form

Have a question about WACE Committees? Contact Glenn Morris ([email protected]) for additional information.