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Valencia Williamson
President & CEO
Phone: (678) 610-4021
Email: vwilliamson@claytonchamber.orgValencia Williamson is the President & CEO of Clayton County Chamber of Commerce where she oversees all aspects of the organization. Prior to her current role, Williamson served as Executive Vice President of the Area Development Partnership (ADP) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi where she led the organization’s Chamber of Commerce Division for ten years. Before joining the ADP in 2010, Williamson served as Vice President at Walton Area Chamber of Commerce in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
A graduate of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Williamson has a 20-year career as a Chamber of Commerce professional and she retains an extensive background in organization management, membership development, program implementation, and strategic partnerships. Williamson has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and has completed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management. Williamson serves on the board of directors for The First Bancshares, Inc., The First Bank, and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).
Williamson is an avid tennis enthusiast, and she spends much of her downtime playing with her two pups Jaxon and Roxy, and hanging out with family & friends who affectionately refer to her as "V."
Olivia Rankin
Business Development Coordinator
Phone: (678) 822-4370
Email: olivia@claytonchamber.orgOlivia Rankin serves as Business Development Coordinator, and she is responsible for recruiting new Chamber members, promoting Chamber programs, and providing relevant value-added information that helps businesses to leverage the Chamber's many resources. Olivia is an avid enthusiast of all things business, having experience as a solopreneur, and leveraging her acumen to assist other business owners with strategic planning, marketing, and organizational development through her business Renewed Marketing Solutions, LLC. Olivia holds a BA in Marketing from Columbus State University and is on track to complete an MBA in 2024 from Clayton State University where she is a recipient of the School of Business Masters Entrepreneur's Award. Olivia is actively engaged with several nonprofit organizations, helping to fulfill their missions. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Olivia has grown to appreciate the laid-back, tight-knit communities of suburban Atlanta, and rural Georgia. She loves to travel and is always up for a good adventure, whether it's taking a road trip, glamping in an RV, or driving fast cars and motorbikes.
Interested in a membership? Olivia is your point of contact. Don’t hesitate to contact her directly at olivia@claytonchamber.org or 678-822-4370.
Annie K. Woods
Administrative Assistant | Chief Greeter
Phone: (678) 610-4021
Email: receptionist@claytonchamber.orgAnnie is responsible for the Chamber's reception, administrative duties, and all support services to ensure the efficient operation of the Chamber office. Additionally, Annie helps to promote Chamber programs and she provides relevant information that benefits the Clayton business community. Prior to Annie joining the Chamber team, she worked in the manufacturing and lighting industry as an Administrative Assistant for 31 years before spending 18 years with Dekalb County Government. Annie is a 2010 graduate of Clayton State University where she earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Annie resides in Ellenwood and she has a Yorkshire Terrier named "Vinny."
Dr. Atawanna Royal Baxter
Program Manager (Education Initiatives & Leadership Clayton)
Email: rbaxter@claytonchamber.orgAs an accomplished higher education leader with over 15 years of experience in academic administration, student affairs, student engagement, and educational policy, Dr. Royal Baxter’s work is driven by the mission to create opportunities in education for one to not only survive but to thrive. Dr. Baxter holds a Doctor of Education with a concentration in educational leadership from Georgia Southern University and has a strong track record of implementing strategic initiatives that enhance student success and promote academic excellence. A passionate advocate for education and community engagement, Dr. Baxter actively collaborates with education leaders, community leaders, corporate industry leaders, and the business community to create impactful educational experiences. Dr. Baxter is committed to mentorship and community service, believing in the transformative power of education to change lives.
Dr. Baxter is a native of Savannah, Georgia and has resided in Clayton County for 20 years. She is a devoted wife and mother and an active member of her daughter’s PTSA serving as the Vice-President of the chapter. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she serves on the Collegiate Transition Committee for the Atlanta Suburban Alumnae Chapter. Dr. Baxter is an avid sports fanatic always rooting for the home teams, especially her beloved Atlanta Falcons!
Tammary Scott DowdellEvents Consultant
B'Mari Events & Art Studio, Owner | CEOEmail: tammary27@yahoo.comGrowing up a native of Atlanta, Georgia, Tammary has always enjoyed celebrating special events with family and friends. Once her son Zymire was born, she became very creative in organizing his birthday parties which led to coordinating events through the years, from weddings to funerals, for many others. After years of working in the public and private sectors as a Project Manager and Career Development Trainer, Tammary's hobby became her full-time passion, and when she started her business, she began by catering events enhanced with decor, and she provided impeccable customer service, which was always the cherry on top! Before establishing a brick and mortar, Tammary knew she wanted the name of her business to be meaningful. She thought about the strong women in her family who had made strides in entrepreneurship, and she didn't have to look far because even from a young age, her mom Marianna embarked on several business ventures, from dental consulting to real estate. One day as Tammary was preparing for an event, she recalled her mom saying ot her, "I'll just wait till you finish so that I can eat, drink and be merry." It was in that moment, she knew B'Mari would be the name of her business. Since creating B'Mari Events, Tammary has used her creative abilities to execute countless parties successfully, make ideas come alive, and design breathtaking memories with her fabulous team. As an active member of the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce, she has orchestrated several events for city officials in Clayton County and the Atlanta Metro, designed decor for dream weddings, and worked with reputable companies for their corporate events; with class and detail. Tammary's creative nature and dedication to her passions have allowed her to serve thousands in Atlanta and surrounding areas with her one-of-a-kind designs for all types of clients. B'Mari is not just about putting together events; B'Mari creates luxurious experiences guaranteed to be remembered for years to come.Gerrian HawesCommunications & PR ConsultantSouth Atlanta Media, Owner | South Atlanta Magazine, CEO, PublisherEmail: ghawes@southatlantamedia.comAs a dedicated community-driven leader with over 17 years of experience, Gerrian is passionate about empowering women through strategic branding and innovative storytelling. In her role as CEO and Publisher of South Atlanta Magazine, Gerrian has successfully fostered partnerships and connections with community organizations, leaders, and professionals to create compelling narratives that uplift and inspire. Gerrian's journey has been marked by a commitment to creating inclusive environments where everyone, especially women, can excel both professionally and personally. With a background in creative direction and brand communication, she specializes in transforming visions into impactful initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences. At South Atlanta Media, Gerrian has lead a talented team in delivering comprehensive creative services, including advertising, graphic design, and marketing strategies that drive results. Her goal is to amplify voices, promote equitable opportunities, and to drive positive change within the community. Through her work, Gerrian strives to be a catalyst for empowerment and excellence, championing the achievements of women and contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic community.
