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Ellen McNair, CEcD
Chief Officer, Economic Development
Ellen McNair has worked in the economic development field for more than 35 years and was a member of the negotiating teams that brought both Hyundai Motors Corporation and Hyundai Heavy Industries to Montgomery. She has recruited dozens of national and international projects to the state. Prior to the Chamber, Ellen worked for the Alabama Department of Commerce as Project Manager and as Director of Research. She is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. While attending graduate school in the Department of Economics at Auburn University, she received a fellowship through the U.S. Department of the Interior. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. Ellen has the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council. She is a past president of the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) and is involved in the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). She is a recipient of the David R. Echols Distinguished Service Award for exemplary achievement in economic development, presented by the Alabama Department of Commerce.
The Montgomery Chamber’s Economic Development Division was named a Top 20 Economic Development Organization in the U.S. by Site Selection Magazine in 2020 and 2021.
334-240-9433 | emcnair@montgomerychamber.com
Charlie Bass
Director, GIS and Analytics
Charlie Bass is responsible for research, building and site development. He prepares custom maps and site information, helps area landowners maintain existing sites, and develops additional products. Charlie also creates customized reports with EMSI and other databases and handles demographic requests including customized reports. Charlie graduated from Troy University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Geography and an MBA with a concentration in International Economic Development. Prior to the Chamber, Charlie worked for Troy University’s Center for International Business and Economic Development. He has completed Auburn University’s Intensive Economic Development Course and is currently pursuing a Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certification through the Community Development Institute.
The Montgomery Chamber’s Economic Development Division was named a Top 20 Economic Development Organization in the U.S. by Site Selection Magazine in 2020 and 2021.
334-240-9291 | cbass@montgomerychamber.com
Cary Cox
Director, Workforce Development - Business Retention & Recruitment
Cary works with providers and industry to streamline workforce development programs for new and existing industry. He analyzes current and future workforce trends and works to ensure Montgomery has sufficient resources to fill those needs. He works to address issues facing Montgomery’s existing industry base and assists these industries with expansion plans via statutory incentives, site location, infrastructure, utilities, and employee selection & training. Cary earned a BS of Industrial Design from Auburn University. Prior to joining the MACC team, Cary led the Elmore County Economic Development Authority. For 15 years, Cary was the Director of Workforce Development for the City of Auburn\Executive Director of the Auburn Training Connection, and worked 16 years with AIDT, the #1 ranked state training organization in the nation. Cary has served and continues to be a member of state and local boards and community groups
The Montgomery Chamber’s Economic Development Division was named a Top 20 Economic Development Organization in the U.S. by Site Selection Magazine in 2020 and 2021.
334-240-9428 | ccox@montgomerychamber.com
Rachel Madore
Director, Research
Rachel Madore manages the research and data collection efforts of the Chamber, including community economic indicators and statistics. She is responsible for responding to all RFIs and data requests along with creating customized proposals for business recruitment efforts and initiatives. Rachel is a 25-year veteran of the Chamber. Rachel earned her master’s degree in sociology from Auburn University and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. She is a member of the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) and the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).
The Montgomery Chamber’s Economic Development Division was named a Top 20 Economic Development Organization in the U.S. by Site Selection Magazine in 2020 and 2021.
334-240-9432 | rmadore@montgomerychamber.com
Shelby Stringfellow
Director, Recruitment
Shelby Stringfellow manages new industry recruitment and marketing efforts. Prior to joining the Chamber, Shelby worked as a Project Manager for an International Engineering Consulting Firm after starting his career at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Shelby has more than 17 years of experience in assisting industries in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida in site assessment, construction, and environmental permitting and compliance. Shelby is an active member of the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) and Manufacture Alabama. Shelby earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Auburn University and is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery and serves on the Board of the Alabama National Fair.
The Montgomery Chamber’s Economic Development Division was named a Top 20 Economic Development Organization in the U.S. by Site Selection Magazine in 2020 and 2021.
334-240-9420 | sstringfellow@montgomerychamber.com
Kenny Ward
Director, Talent Recruitment and Retention
Kenny Ward is the Director of Talent Recruitment and Retention. He focuses on recruiting and retaining local talent, while working closely with the human resources department and hiring managers to identify talent needs. Prior to joining the Chamber, Kenny held various positions in higher education, including Division Director of Business and Computer Information Systems, Activity Director of Professional Development, and Accounting Program Coordinator. He began his career in accounting and was promoted to a senior level. With over a decade of experience in accounting, human resources, and higher education leadership, Kenny brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his position. He is also actively involved in the community and serves on the boards of multiple local organizations. Kenny earned an Executive Master of Business Administration from Faulkner University.
The Montgomery Chamber’s Economic Development Division was named a Top 20 Economic Development Organization in the U.S. by Site Selection Magazine in 2020 and 2021.
334-261-1108 | kward@montgomerychamber.com