Collier stepping down at Chamber

FORT MADISON - The Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that Executive Director Savanna Collier will step down from her position after nine years of service to the organization and the Fort Madison business community. Collier has accepted a new opportunity with Access Energy Cooperative.
Collier joined the Chamber as the Chamber Coordinator in September 2017 and has led the organization through a period of significant growth, change and transition. During her tenure, she has worked alongside Chamber members, volunteers, community partners and local leaders to strengthen programming, expand leadership and workforce initiatives, support local businesses, and coordinate many of the community events and traditions Fort Madison residents have come to know and love.
“Serving as Executive Director of the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce for the past nine years has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” Collier said. “This organization and community have given me opportunities, relationships and experiences that I will carry with me for a lifetime. While making the decision to leave was incredibly difficult, I’m proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in the future of the Chamber. Fort Madison is home, and I look forward to continuing to support this community in a different capacity.”
Throughout Collier’s tenure, the Chamber has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of its members and community. Today, the organization represents approximately 180 businesses and organizations throughout the area and coordinates a wide variety of events, leadership programs, workforce initiatives, member services and community partnerships.
Collier also helped guide the Chamber through significant organizational changes in recent years, including the dissolution of Fort Madison Main Street and Fort Madison Partners and the Chamber’s transition to operating as a stand-alone organization. Most recently, the Chamber completed a rebrand and has continued to expand and refine its programming while maintaining a strong focus on member engagement and support.

“Savanna has dedicated nine years to strengthening the Chamber and advocating for the Fort Madison business community,” Darcie Uhlmeyer, Chair of the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, said. “Her passion for Fort Madison, ability to bring people together and commitment to our members have made a lasting impact on the organization and our community. While we are sad to see her leave this role, we are grateful for the strong foundation she has helped build and wish her the very best in this next chapter.”
The Chamber Board of Directors has been working closely with Savanna and Membership Coordinator Lexy Reu to develop a thoughtful transition plan. Reu will remain with the Chamber in an expanded role focused on member relations and programming. As part of the transition, the Board has approved a new organizational structure that will add an Events & Communications position, creating two complementary staff roles to lead the Chamber moving forward.
Additional information regarding the open position and the Chamber’s new organizational structure will be shared soon.
Collier will continue working with the Chamber through October 23rd to assist with the transition and ensure continuity for members, programs and upcoming events.
“Change brings new opportunities, and I’m excited to see how the Chamber continues to grow and evolve,” Collier added. “I hope our members and community will continue to show up, support local, get involved and believe in Fort Madison. The Chamber’s strength has always come from the people and businesses behind it, and I know that will continue long after my time here.”