Ann Welton Named New Chamber President

The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has named Ann Welton as its new president. Welton succeeds Marla Akridge who resigned in October after six years as Chamber president to accept a position with the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation.

Welton’s first day with the Chamber will be Feb. 1st. As President, she will oversee the three key divisions of the Chamber: Community Development, Membership Development and Government Affairs. She will also work with staff to ensure Chamber programs and services run with a high degree of excellence that its membership has come to expect.

“I’m excited to be joining the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce for a couple of reasons,” said Welton. “First, there is a top-notch staff in place, and they have years of experience serving Chamber members and our community. I look forward to working with such a talented group.

“Second, I think Wake Forest’s most positive attribute lies in the way its progressive leadership actively seeks ways to differentiate and improve the town without losing sight of its unique history. I want to be an advocate for the business community while making sure that our town stays a great place to live.”

Before joining the Chamber, Welton worked as a marketing and communications consultant. Prior to that she was a 15-year regional marketing manager for CenturyLink where she served as the liaison between field operations and corporate marketing.

“I am very excited about the energy and vision Ann brings to the Chamber as our new president,” said Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Don Bowman. “She has a solid background and clear understanding of what is required to lead a membership-driven organization. She is also an outstanding professional who is well-equipped to handle the various aspects of the position from education and advocacy to celebrations and networking. She is also well-known and respected in our community. I am confident her leadership and experience will position the Chamber for a bright future.”

An extremely involved member of the Wake Forest community, Welton currently serves as chair of the Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission and vice president of Wake Forest Arts. She is married to her husband, Michael, and they have two children.