As Chattanooga continues to build momentum as a destination for business growth, talent development, and innovation, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes a leader whose career has been defined by expanding opportunity and strengthening workforce pipelines. Dr. Rebecca Ashford, president of Chattanooga State Community College, has been named Chair of the Chattanooga Area Chamber Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term.
Since arriving in Chattanooga in 2017, Ashford has become one of the region’s most influential and respected leaders. As president of Chattanooga State Community College, she oversees Tennessee’s only institution that combines a community college and a Tennessee College of Applied Technology under a single organizational structure. A community college graduate herself, Ashford has dedicated her career to creating pathways that connect education, workforce training, and economic opportunity.
Her commitment to student success has produced measurable results. In 2021, she led Chattanooga State’s transition from traditional 15-week semesters to seven-week terms, a change that significantly improved student outcomes. In 2025, Chattanooga State received the prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award from Achieve the Dream, the organization’s highest recognition for advancing student success.
For Ashford, the connection between education and economic development is inseparable. That perspective is one of the reasons she was motivated to step into the Chamber’s highest volunteer leadership position.
“I’ve been a member of the Chamber Board since I came to Chattanooga in 2017,” Ashford said. “The work of the Chamber aligns with the work we do at Chattanooga State Community College. The Chamber promotes economic growth by attracting new businesses and supporting existing businesses in our community, while Chattanooga State prepares the future workforce those businesses need.”