Walton County Chamber of Commerce announces leadership succession plan

Beginning in March 2025, Heather Boyce will begin a gradual take over from current Walton County Chamber president Teri Smiley to be completed in July 2028

From left: Teri Smiely and Heather Boyce. Contributed photographs

The Walton County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced the succession plan in the following post:

“The Walton County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a leadership succession plan that honors the extraordinary legacy of its President, Teri Smiley, while preparing for a seamless transition of leadership to Heather Allison, an amazing community leader and advocate.

After serving the Walton County Chamber for nearly three decades, Teri’s visionary leadership has shaped the organization into a cornerstone of community and business development. Since Teri began her tenure on February 5, 1995, the Chamber has grown exponentially, with membership increasing from less than 200 to over 750, and the annual budget soaring by more than 220%. Under her guidance, the Chamber purchased its first office building in 2022, thanks to a successful capital campaign supported by local leaders.

Throughout her 30 years of service, Teri has championed initiatives that strengthen relationships and foster collaboration, including the revamp of the Leadership Walton program, the creation of the Youth Leadership Walton program, and impactful educational initiatives like Reality Check, Principal for the Day, Career Awareness Expo, and the Walton Proud initiative. Her unwavering commitment to the Chamber’s mission of “creating relationships that last a lifetime” has left an indelible mark on Walton County.

In recognition of her contributions, Teri has been celebrated statewide, serving as Chair of the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) and the Southeast U.S. Chamber Institute. She holds the esteemed I.O.M. and Georgia Certified Chamber Executive designations and was honored as Georgia Chamber Executive of the Year in 2015.

“Teri’s leadership has been transformative for Walton County,” said Dr. Nathan Franklin, the Chamber’s 2024 Chairman of the Board. “Her dedication and innovative spirit have elevated the Chamber’s role as a vital resource for businesses and the community. We are deeply grateful for her service and are confident that her legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders.”

The approved succession plan ensures continuity and progress for the Chamber. In 2025, Teri will remain in her full-time role while Heather Allison, a native of Walton County and current Community Relations Director for Piedmont Walton, joins the Chamber part-time in March. Heather’s proven track record in community engagement and strategic partnerships positions her as an ideal successor. Starting January 2026, both Teri and Heather will serve part-time to facilitate a smooth transition, with Teri remaining President, Heather Vice-President, and Heather assuming the full-time role of President on July 1, 2028.

“Heather’s passion for Walton County and her wealth of experience make her the perfect choice to continue the Chamber’s legacy,” said Susan Sykes, the 2025 Chair of the Board. “Her collaborative approach and dedication to fostering meaningful relationships align perfectly with the Chamber’s mission. Together, Teri and Heather will ensure a seamless transition that benefits our members and the community.”

Heather shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity: “It is an honor to join the Walton County Chamber, an organization that has been a beacon of leadership and collaboration under Teri’s guidance. I look forward to learning from her and building on the strong foundation she has established.”

As Teri reflects on her career, she expressed gratitude for the Chamber and the Walton County community. “Serving as President of the Walton County Chamber, in my home community, has been the honor of a lifetime,” she said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am excited to see Heather lead the Chamber into a bright future.”

The Walton County Chamber is excited about this new chapter and is confident that the transition plan will uphold the Chamber’s commitment to excellence, ensuring continued success for the businesses and community it serves.”