Elyse Hillegass named new Gaston Chamber CEO

Elyse Hillegass was born and raised in Rockmart, Georgia. She received her degree in business from Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. She is married to Mike Hillegass.

While President of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, Hillegass oversaw membership growth of over 30%. She was responsible for leading the organization out of financial malaise while increasing the operating budget by over 25%. She initiated and implemented numerous successful, creative membership-focused programs, projects and events.

Ms. Hillegass, a seasoned economic developer, has served as Director of Economic Development for the City of Cartersville and Bartow County in Georgia. She has also served as President of the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, as President of the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, and as Executive Director of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce, all located in Georgia.

Elyse Hillegass has been very active in each of her communities and has served on numerous Boards and Commissions. In 1997, she was named “Woman of the Year” by the Cartersville Business & Professional Women’s Association. In 1999, she was elected to the Bartow County School Board.

Ms. Hillegass is a past president of the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and now serves of the Board of Regents of the Southeast Institute for Organization Management through the United States Chamber of Commerce.

A 20-year chamber of commerce and economic development veteran, Elyse Hillegass is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management at the University of Georgia, and the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. She is currently a participant in Leadership North Carolina.

Jerry Richardson, Chairman of the Search Committee said the search process proved to be invaluable. “It allowed us to review and evaluate some of the top talent from throughout the country”, stated Richardson.

“Excitement is the only way that I can describe how Mike and I feel about this wonderful opportunity,” expressed Elyse Hillegass. “We have been so impressed with the community, and the leadership that we’ve met during the interview process. We look forward to calling Gaston County our home”

Nancy Paschall, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gaston Chamber of Commerce stated, “We are extremely pleased that Elyse and Mike Hillegass will become a part of the Gaston County community. Elyse Hillegass brings a wealth of experience and tremendous enthusiasm to the Gaston Chamber. We are confident that The Chamber will move to the next level under her capable leadership and guidance.”