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Donna Watts, IOM, AACE | President & CEO
(251) 943-3291 | Email
Donna Watts has been a cornerstone of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce since 1997, bringing over 39 years of experience in business development and community enhancement to Baldwin County. Prior to her role in Foley, Donna led the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce for 12 years, establishing herself as a pivotal figure in the local business community.
As President & CEO, Donna has also overseen the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation and contributed her expertise to numerous boards, including the Business Council of Alabama and the Coastal Resiliency Coalition leadership team. Her vision and leadership have driven significant initiatives, such as the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival and the South Baldwin Chamber Total Resource Campaign.
Donna's dedication to community service and business development has earned her multiple accolades and recognitions. Notable achievements include:
- Graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management at the University of Georgia, Intensive Economic Development program at Auburn University, Economic Development program at Georgia Tech, Leadership Baldwin, and Leadership Alabama.
- Initiated the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival (2004) and Chicago Street Supper Club (2011).
- Launched the South Baldwin Chamber Total Resource Campaign – Chamber Choices.
- Created the Youth Leadership Development Program - Junior Ambassadors (2000).
- Established the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation (2004).
- Founding Member of the BCA/CCAA Partnership (2008).
- Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (2009).
- Rotarian of the Year, Foley Rotary Club (2009-10).
- Board Member of the Alabama Partnership for Children (2011-15) and Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (2013).
- Recipient of the BCA/CCAA Partnership Thompsonian Leadership Award (2015) and CCAA Distinguished Service Award for 30 years of service in chamber executive leadership positions (2015).
- Accredited Chamber Executive, CCAA (2015-19).
- Member of the 25+ Year Club, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (2016).
- Awarded the Jamie Wallace Award by the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (2018).
- Spearheaded the first Capital Campaign for Workforce Development known as The Gateway Initiative (May-Dec 2017).
Donna is deeply committed to helping individuals achieve the American Dream. She has witnessed the community's resilience through natural disasters and economic challenges, and she continues to foster a sense of unity and perseverance in Baldwin County.
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Travis Valentine, IOM, AACE | Chief Operations Officer
(251) 943-1036 | EMAIL
Travis has been a vital part of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce since 2015. As Membership Director and later Vice President of Investor Relations, he helped shape lasting connections within the business community. Now, as Chief Operating Officer, he oversees both the Chamber and the Gateway Initiative, which he played a key role in founding and launching in 2018. In his day-to-day work, Travis thrives on engaging with members and prospective members, helping them grow their businesses and innovate to meet modern demands. “Creating connections and sharing the genuine benefits of membership is my favorite part of the job,” he says. “It’s a privilege to witness the positive impact on someone’s business or life.”
Known for his energy and optimism, Travis brings enthusiasm to everything he does—whether in the office or out. Although he never truly takes off his ‘Chamber hat,’ outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Merritt, and their children, Tatum and Holden, in the South Baldwin area. Despite being a Colorado native, Travis has never been skiing! However, he can name all 46 U.S. Presidents and all 50 states and capitals without missing a beat. A passionate youth basketball coach, he lives by the mantra, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” which perfectly reflects his positive outlook and determination in both his professional and personal life.
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Frank Shepard | Director of Membership
(251) 943-3291 | EMAIL
Frank Shepard brings over 15 years of business development and relationship-building expertise to the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, joining the team in November 2024. With a BS in Marketing from Auburn University of Montgomery and training from Auburn University's Intensive Economic Development program, Frank has a deep-rooted commitment to enhancing the community and creating valuable opportunities for its businesses. His career includes significant roles in membership development, retention, and sponsorship sales, notably during his time as a Membership Account Executive at the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. There, he oversaw both the Young Professionals organization and Ambassadors program, while fostering growth through innovative engagement initiatives.A dedicated member of the South Baldwin community, Frank has a long history of leadership and volunteerism. He has been an active member and past president of the Daphne/Spanish Fort Kiwanis Club and is an active member at Fairhope First Baptist Church. As a former South Baldwin Chamber Diplomat and a founding force behind the Lower Alabama Young Professionals, Frank is known for connecting people and businesses in ways that benefit the entire region.
Outside of work, Frank enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and enjoying the Baldwin County beaches. A music enthusiast, he plays guitar and collects vinyl records. His dedication to service and relationship-building continues to make a meaningful impact in his role as Membership Director.
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Derrick Cook, CPA, MBA | Chief Financial Officer
(251) 943-1065 | EMAIL
Derrick joined the Chamber team in January 2021. Originally from the small town of New Brockton, AL, he moved to Foley after obtaining his Master's in Business Administration from Troy University in 2011 to work with a local public accounting firm. Derrick earned his CPA license in 2015 and has eight years of experience in public accounting. During that time frame, he built a relationship working with the Chamber of Commerce through various member events and assisting with financial services. In January of 2024 Derrick accepted the Chief Financial Officer position.
Outside of work, Derrick and his wife lead an active lifestyle. Derrick takes part in various recreational sports, volunteers at his church, and enjoys the beautiful scenery that southern Baldwin County has to offer. "I truly enjoy being able to continue my work as a CPA with the Chamber, Foundation, and Gateway team. Outside of the finance area, I also love getting opportunities to network and support our members and community. It's a multifaceted role that keeps my workdays busy and fun."
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Kylee Raulerson | Executive Director of the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation
(251) 943-5520 | EMAIL
Kylee joined the Chamber team in November 2016 as the Event and Foundation Assistant, and soon after advanced to Event Operations Manager for the South Baldwin Chamber. In January 2021, she accepted a new role as the Executive Director of the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation. In her career with the Chamber of Commerce, she has made quite a name for herself for her skills in event planning and execution, and marketing. As a Foley High School Alumni and mother of two children who attend our Baldwin County Public Schools, Kylee is passionate about serving this community and the schools our Foundation serves. In her role as Executive Director, she manages the Chamber Foundation's education enrichment programs and development efforts, coordinating grants and leadership development throughout ten public schools and three private schools in South Baldwin County. These schools also benefit from the SBCF Student & Teacher Grants program and connections with corporate partners and funding opportunities through the Foundation. In her spare time, Kylee can be found up in the gym working on her fitness, on the ball field cheering on her two sons, or cooking up some delicious (cajun-inspired) meals for her whole family.
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Rachel Spear | Director of Events
(251) 943-5550 | EMAIL
Rachel is the Event Director for the South Baldwin Chamber. She is a native of Foley, AL, and graduated from Foley High School in 2006. Rachel has just over 10 years of experience in the hospitality/restaurant industry where she held many different roles including corporate certified trainer. During her career in the hospitality industry, Rachel completed her associate's degrees in Hospitality & Restaurant Management and Event Planning. She began her involvement with the South Baldwin Chamber through volunteering with events and was offered a part-time position with the Chamber Foundation in 2014. Since then, Rachel has held the position of Executive Assistant of the Chamber Foundation, Event Assistant of the Chamber, and was promoted to the Event Director in October of 2016. "It has always brought me a great deal of pleasure to plan things that make people happy! Quality of life is so valuable, and I believe that by being a part of planning community events that bring businesses, locals and tourists together to experience memorable moments is my way of giving back to this community that I have called home my whole life. I do more than just plan events though and I am very honored to be a resource for businesses and individuals in this community to connect". Rachel and her husband, Daniel, have been married since 2015 and reside in Foley where they raise their daughter, Lena.
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Lori Pressley | Director of Communications
(251) 943-5510 | EMAIL
Lori joined the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce in October 2018 as the Director of Communications. With a rich career in both education and industry, Lori brings valuable experience and insight to the Chamber. She holds an associate's degree in business administration and is a proud, long-time resident of Baldwin County. Her professional background includes six years as a budget analyst at Rohr Southern Industries (now Collins Aerospace of Foley) and twenty-two years as a technology coordinator and teacher at St. Patrick Catholic School. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a strong foundation for her role at the Chamber.
Lori has been instrumental in modernizing key communication channels for the Chamber, Gateway Initiative, and Chamber Foundation. She has led efforts to digitize the Chamber's media, including the Monthly Newsletter, and has continuously updated the Chamber website. Lori also manages social media content, news releases, and emails, ensuring timely and effective communication with the community. She produces engaging business spotlights such as ribbon-cutting videos and SBAwesome customer service award videos. Outside the office, Lori cherishes time with her friends and family, especially her children and grandbabies.
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Jeanette Harris | Executive Assistant + Member Services Representative
(251) 943-1064 | EMAIL
Jeanette Harris joined the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce in February 2013. As the Executive Assistant and Member Services Representative, she plays a crucial role in managing information and database functions, ensuring seamless communication with member businesses about the benefits of their membership. Jeanette is dedicated to providing detailed information on various Chamber programs and conducting new member orientation sessions, helping businesses maximize their engagement and resources.
In addition to her member services role, Jeanette supports the CEO/President of the Chamber and is a familiar face at all Chamber functions and events. Her involvement and commitment help foster a strong sense of community and connection among members.
Jeanette resides in Foley with her husband Ricky and their dog Zena. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, visiting the beach, and spending quality time with her family.
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Reagan Goff, BA | Programs & Events Assistant
(251) 943-5590 | EMAIL
Reagan joined the South Baldwin Chamber team in August 2022 to serve as the Programs & Events Assistant. A native of Montgomery, she played collegiate softball at Jacksonville State University, where she graduated with highest honors with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Reagan moved to Foley full-time in 2021, where she has since worked in youth development, serving in special events, outreach, and membership services. She has a passion for the people in our south Baldwin communities and is especially eager to build new relationships through her work at the Chamber.
Reagan adds, “Our cities and towns are made of such extraordinary people who have so much to contribute to our ever-growing communities. There are so many opportunities to create enjoyable and exciting events and programs that both locals and visitors will remember for years.” She enjoys traveling and exploring, staying active, trying new coffee shops, and enjoying the beauty of the Gulf Coast alongside her husband, Zach.
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Daniel Catlin | Director of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement
(251) 943-1062 | EMAIL
Daniel joined the chamber team in September 2024 and serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement for the Gateway Workforce Initiative, a partnership between the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. His focus is building and strengthening relationships between community stakeholders, educators, and job seekers to foster workforce development and economic growth in southern Baldwin County. His career includes experience at both the state and federal levels, where he provided strategic insights on issue advocacy, workforce strategies, and economic development initiatives.
Daniel is passionate about creating opportunities for local industries and ensuring the region’s workforce remains competitive. In his free time, Daniel enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and traveling.
