The Woodlands Area Chamber recognizes local leaders at annual Awards Luncheon

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce held its 46th Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon recently to recognize members who have shown exemplary support of the Chamber and the business community.

New Chamber President & CEO, Aaron Cox, IOM, opened the luncheon by welcoming attendees and recognizing event sponsors and distinguished guests. Brian Albert, 2023 - 2024 Chamber Chairman of the Board delivered the annual report, detailing The Chamber’s activities and accomplishments during the 2023 - 2024 fiscal year.

The 2023 - 2024 specialty award winners, which were kept secret until the luncheon, were announced and recognized with an award as follows:

• Chamber Volunteer of the Year – Bill Warner, Retired
• Emerging Leader – Kristen Bates, Bates | Wilder McGee PC
• Chamber Community Citizen of the Year – Roxanne Davis, The Woodlands Family YMCA at Shadowbend
• Chamber Diplomat of the Year – Cathy Bruce, Always Best Care Senior Services The Woodlands
• Chairman's Award – The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Staff

In addition to the annual awards, the volunteer positions of retiring 2023 - 2024 Board of Directors, Vice Presidents, Diplomat Team, and Team Leaders were recognized for their service to the Chamber. Members marking 20, 30, 40 and 45 years of membership were also recognized for their continued support.

Ann Wolford, 2024 - 2025 Chamber Chairman of the Board, ended the awards ceremony by presenting 2023 - 2024 Chairman of the Board Brian Albert with an award and thanking him for his dedication and selfless service to The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Legacy Award Recipient was Jerry MacDonald, who served as President and CEO of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for 21 years. During his tenure, MacDonald shepherded the Pavilion through periods of challenges and growth including the COVID-19 pandemic and the venue’s full rebuild and expansion after it was devastated by Hurricane Ike in 2008. Under MacDonald’s leadership, a significant impact on the infrastructure of the venue was made, including the building of the Woodforest Bank Club, the building of the Event Center and ice rink, and the expansion of the Operations building. With MacDonald at the helm, The Pavilion consistently earned a spot among the top 10 amphitheaters nationally based on attendance. Jerry also played a key role in the formation of The Woodlands Arts Council and continues to support its mission. Jerry and his wife of 50 years, Tricia have two daughters, Sally and Stacy, both graduates of The Woodlands High School, and they have four grandchildren.