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2027 Ambassadors

Kelly Wallace
Triangle East Chamber of Commerce
President & CEO
Kelly joined the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce team in 2002.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Technology from East Carolina University in 1992.  Kelly is a 2003 Leadership Johnston graduate, of which she served as program director for over 16 years. Kelly is a graduate of the US Chamber Institute of Organization Management (2011) and Business Leads Fellowship (2022).  When they are able, Kelly and her husband, Mark, enjoy long weekends "glamping" in their travel trailer. Originally from Charlotte, Kelly and her family call Clayton, NC their home.
Sherri Cannady
United Community
Commercial Loan Assistant
I started working at Four Oaks Bank as the Head Teller in 2010.  I moved to the Customer Service area in 2013 and last year I took on the role of Loan Assistant.  This position is where I was meant to be.  I love what I do and I love working for Four Oaks Bank. 

On the weekends I love to spend time with my daughter. We enjoy shopping together. My hobbies are reading, scrapbooking and watching movies. 
Shannon Kirby
KS Bank, Inc.
Lead Relationship Banker, AVP - Smithfield
For more than 15 years, I have been a part of the KS Bank team. As the Lead Relationship Banker for the Kenly retail office, I have the privilege of serving our customers and building lasting relationships to best meet their financial needs. In addition to working directly with the customers, I help identify sales opportunities, manage branch personnel, open new accounts, and manage deposits and profitability for the branch.
Being a part of the local community is important to me and I strive to stay actively involved. In addition to my business degree, I am also a graduate of the Leadership Johnston Program. I have served on the board for the Kenly Area Chamber of Commerce as VP and Treasurer over the last eight years and NJHS Panther Club for 4 years. I am a native of Pine Level and currently reside in Kenly.
Alicia Whitehurst
Wintergreen Hospitality
General Manager
Joelina Landa
United Community
Branch Manager
Ron Hester
Barbetta LLC
Manager
We are a small commercial property management company.  We have properties across the state of North Carolina.
Justin Raymond
Carolina Packers
Marketing Director
Marketing Director for Carolina Packers, Home of the Bright Leaf Hot Dog. I have the privilege of marketing and promoting the best hot dog on planet Earth. You'll often see me at events, visiting hot dog shops, and on social media. Let me know if you haven't tried a Bright Leaf Hot Dog yet. It'll change your life. ; )
Lynn Stanley
Boys and Girls Club of Johnston County
Resource Dev & Community Engagement
Charlie Crews
The Insurance Shoppe of North Carolina, Inc
Sales/Agency Manager
Tammy Pace
Interstate Outdoor, Inc.
Account Executive for Interstate Outdoor, I am a native of Harnett County and a resident of Johnston County since 2000. I have 20 plus years of sales experience and exceptional customer service skills. I am married and have 2 children and live in Clayton NC
Karen Jones
KS Bank, Inc.
Lead Relationship Banker - Selma
Ann Rizzardi
Rizzardi Real Estate
Broker and Advocate
I consider myself an Advocate with a Broker license. Professional and personal experiences allow me to work with individuals/families with real estate while they are dealing with personal challenges. Specialize in: Healthcare/Death/Dying/ADA/Special Education& Exceptional Children program/Domestic Violence/Autism Society/Hydrocephalus Assoc./Relocations. Prioritizing quality of life guides my every decision. My career journey began in hospitality, then to healthcare for 13 yrs. in Hospice, then received my Real Estate Broker License. I pride myself on building relationships based on trust, integrity, ethics & core values. Transactions can be overwhelming, but I can help provide clear communication, transparency and a supportive presence. Through experience I have gained skills that I apply to all types of situations. I put my client’s needs first while being their biggest advocate.
Andy Thompson
Triangle East Chamber of Commerce
Business Development Director

Andy Thompson has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Mount Olive and has been in the marketing world since 2009 in various capacities.

 

Andy and his wife, Angie, have two children, Michaela and Colby. In his free time, he enjoys outside activities, sports, the beach, and the mountains. Andy likes meeting new people and has a passion for helping the community grow and thrive!

Christin Murphy
Habitat for Humanity Greater Raleigh
Director of Community & Volunteer Engagement
Lee Smith
Tarva Group LLC
Chief Executive Officer
Ryan Jordan
Flowers Plantation
Director of Community Relations & Community Safety
Alisha Coley
KS Bank, Inc.
Lead Relationship Manager
Maggie Crandall
Johnston Community College
Assistant Director
Misty Wester
First Citizens Bank
Financial Sales Manager II LPA
AnnaKate Gilchrist
Evolve Nutrition
Owner
Kayla Holmes
Carolina Air Repair
Office Manager

Although I was connected to the HVAC industry for nearly two decades through my husband’s career, I officially joined the field in May 2023. Since then, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the complexity and importance of the trade. I’m proud to be part of the Carolina Air Repair team, where we’re committed to delivering top-quality service to every customer.

As Office Manager, I oversee daily administrative operations—including dispatch coordination, invoicing, and client communication—to ensure a smooth, efficient experience from start to finish. Living in Eastern North Carolina, I understand how quickly extreme weather can turn HVAC issues into urgent concerns, and I work hard to help restore comfort to our clients as quickly as possible.

 

Helen Caloz
Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation
Marketing & Events
A North Carolina native raised in Fuquay-Varina, Helen Caloz brings a blend of creative leadership and operational expertise to her role in Marketing & Events. With a foundational background in theatre and the hospitality industry. Helen excels at the logistical precision and artistic vision required to execute seamless, high-impact events.
Most recently, Helen spent five years at HomeMasters Pest Control, where she built deep roots within the Smithfield community. Committed to local service, Helen is an active member of her church and serves as a leader for her Girl Scout Troop. She views herself as a lifelong champion of community, dedicated to leading with the joy and enthusiasm to foster meaningful connections and celebrate the spirit of Smithfield.
Nikki Wall
Triangle East Chamber of Commerce
Office Manager
Kimberly Loftin
HomeTrust Wealth
Jeffery Hamilton
Tammy Braglin
The Story Keeper BookStore