Ambassadors
The Ambassadors are an extension of the Chamber who are out and engaged in the community. They are the official welcome team for new members. They can be spotted at ribbon cuttings, greeting new Chamber members, and volunteering at events.
Thank you to our 2025 Ambassador Sponsors, Allen, Allen, and Foster, All in Credit Union, Christian Brothers Automotive, Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa, and Soul Caffeine.
President - Debra Schmitt
Firewatch Entertainment
Greetings! My name is Debra Schmitt and I am the Business Manager for Firewatch Entertainment. We have been “Bringing the Party” since 2006! We offer full DJ services for weddings, birthdays, family reunions, corporate events and class reunions. We also offer music bingo for corporate events and fundraisers. I have extensive expertise in training and leadership development. I was born and raised in Pensacola and graduated from Saint Leo University with a BA in Business Administration. When not DJing parties, Hubs, Jason and I will be at the beach or in Tuscaloosa/New Orleans cheering on the Tide and The Saints!
Tracey Goens
Elite Real Estate
Tracey Goens, born and raised in Baldwin County, Alabama, received her license in real estate in 2005 and quickly became a well-known agent after receiving the Rookie of the Year Award in her first year as a Realtor. Today, she continues to shine as one of the top 10% of agents in Baldwin County and is wellknown for giving back to the community. She is a certified Baldwin County Specialist, which requires indepth knowledge of our area with numerous successful transactions. She was one of the first agents to become Certified in Fortified Housing, an important issue for our hurricane-prone area. With many awards and accolades for her volunteerism, also Tracey Goens also has a broad network of local business professionals that help her clients connect with things they need, including home repairs, staging, cleaning, inspections, financing, and mortgage lenders to name a few. As an experienced agent, Tracey negotiates hard for her clients and puts their interests above her own in any transaction. As a Realtor with Elite Real Estate Solutions, Tracey and the team specialize in buying, selling, property management, short sales, foreclosures, and investing for both residential and commercial markets. Like Tracey, Elite agents work on a personal level with their clients to make sure every part of the buying and selling process is handled with the utmost care. From negotiation skills, current market trends, and marketing expertise to simple advice and a helping hand… Tracey Goens and Elite Real Estate Solutions won’t stop until they reach 100% customer satisfaction for their client.
Martha Davidson
Infirmary Health
Martha Davidson was born and reared in the Mississippi Delta. She graduated with honors from University of Southern Mississippi, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in advertising and a minor in marketing. Her dream to be involved in healthcare led her to a career in healthcare marketing, and her dream to be involved in missions, led her to three children, all siblings, adopted from Costa Rica. Martha is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in organizational leadership with a concentration in healthcare from Claremont Lincoln University in Claremont, CA. Her personal mission is serve, encourage and inspire those around her in order to bring a positive light to every person and every project she encounters.
Garrett Hughes
Hughes Funeral Home
Garrett Hughes has served as an Eastern Shore Chamber Ambassador for four years. He has been actively involved with the Jubilee Festival committees, along with co-chairing the committee. Garrett is a resident and native of the Eastern Shore. He attended the University of Mobile and graduated with a degree in International Business. Garrett worked with City Hope Church in various roles, before joining the staff of University of Mobile in their Marketing and Admissions offices. He worked for the university for six years, before stepping down to join his family business, Hughes Funeral Home and Crematory, in Daphne.
As an Apprentice Funeral Director, Garrett assists with planning all aspects of the funeral services, from meeting with families, directing services, and continuing to grow the business. Garrett is excited to be part of the business that his family has built, but more importantly to help and comfort people in what could be the darkest time they may go through. Hughes Funeral Home was also voted Small Business of the Year in 2021, and Best Funeral Home in Baldwin County with Gulf Coast Media in 2021 and 2023.
Garrett lives in Daphne with his wife Melyssa, and their son JP. They enjoy cookouts with friends, watching the Auburn Tigers and New Orleans Saints, and traveling.
Mary Harper
High 5 Printing & Productions
Paula Knodel
Roberts Brothers Real Estate
I have been a realtor for 20 years. I enjoy introducing newcomers to our lovely area, or helping fellow long-term residents find their next dream home. I have been involved in the Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and serve as an Ambassador and on the Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast Committee.. I am married and have one son and one grandson who are all graduates of Auburn University. I also have a 3 year old grandson.
Jordan Chancey
Cadence Bank
I am a Baldwin County native, who graduated from the University of Mobile in 2013. I am the branch manager for Cadence Bank in Spanish Fort, and have been with the company since 2015. I live in Daphne with my wife and three daughters, who keep me plenty busy! Outside of work and family, I enjoy outdoor hobbies like hunting, fishing, and golfing. I am also part of the Daphne/Spanish Fort Rotary Club, and always look forward to any other way I can be involved in the community to help support this great county.
Madison Cruz
OberaConnect LLC.
Madison Cruz is the Sales Director of OberaConnect. OberaConnect is a local technology company specializing in connectivity, VoIP, Managed Services and Desktop Support. Madison has been in the technology industry for 5 years and has held many management roles. She is skilled in enterprise business, customer support, operations, and project management.
Originally born and raised in Fairhope, Madison graduated from The University of Alabama with a business degree and moved back home to be near family. She serves as the Treasurer for Eastern Shore Sertoma Club and is very active in the community. Madison enjoys cooking and being outside on the water. She lives in Fairhope with her Daughter Willa and dog Boone.
Wynona Rogers
Wynona's Insurance Agency
Wynona Rogers is a native of Spanish Fort, AL. She started selling insurance for ALFA Insurance in 1986. In 1996 she won Commercial Agent of the Year, the first year it was given. In 2005 she retired and started her insurance agency. In 2006 she won Cabinet Agent of the Year for AIG beating out agents in 48 states. On Oct. 22, 2024, her book Riches to Rags: One Woman's Story of Betrayal and Redemption 2nd Edition went live worldwide by Quantum Discovery Publications. She will be the featured Author for World Wide Press in their Author World Press digital magazine for the 1st quarter of 2025. She has one son, David J. Schoen.
Haley Kern
Back In Motion
Sandy Cooke
The Buckaroo Foundation
Sandy Cooke has served as an Ambassador with the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce for over 25 years. She has been actively involved with the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast committee and the Ambassadors Group. In addition to her activities with the chamber, Sandy serves on the board of the Buckaroo Foundation, and she serves as Vice President of the Mobile Claims Association. She has been employed with EFI Global, who offers forensic engineering, origin and cause fire investigation, and environmental consulting services, nationwide. Sandy and her husband Troy, live in Spanish Fort. They have 3 daughters and 1 grandson.
Katherine Alsup
Kat Co. Design
Meet Katherine, a marketer and graphic designer, who received her degree in Marketing and Management from Troy University. Born and raised in Troy, AL, Katherine now calls Fairhope her home. She is passionate about helping businesses succeed by offering effective marketing strategies and innovative design solutions. Katherine's expertise includes web design, branding, and other related services. With her combined knowledge of marketing and design, she is able to provide comprehensive solutions to businesses in need of assistance in both areas.
Gabriel Puello
Hat Rack Business Solutions, LLC
Robby Trione
Table Needs
Robby Trione is the marketing director of Table Needs, a fast-growing provider of restaurant technology and business services. With a focus on quick service restaurants, coffee shops, and food trucks, Table Needs offers scalable solutions without disruptive updates or hardware overhauls.
A Fairhope native and University of Alabama graduate, Robby's expertise lies in video production and film studies. He started his career as a videographer, editor, and motion graphics designer. Later, he became a video production and animation teacher, video commercial editor, and production account manager. Eventually, he transitioned to UX design at Table Needs.
Outside of work, Robby is an avid swimmer and a reluctant jogger, emphasizing the importance of exercise for overall well-being. He also pursues daily drawings. Wood carving, history, and BBQ bring him joy.
Passionate about supporting local businesses, Robby looks forward to contributing to the success and specialness of his community.
Michael Pugh
TBS Safety
My name is Michael Pugh, I am married to Savannah Pugh and have two little girls, Aria and Annabelle. I am currently employed at TBS Inc as a Project Manager and AI Coach. Our brand statement is to ensure safety of all towing and tugboat vessels on the water and to make life easier for anyone in the marine industry. My hometown is Bay Minette, Al & Alma Mater is the University of North Alabama Lions! My personal goals are to travel to 20 countries before it's all said and done and my professional goals are to continue developing and coaching my team into the future of AI and helping them to learn new projects that not only align with operational soundness, but things that help them grow as individuals as well. I enjoy playing tennis, attending church at City Hope in Daphne, and watching Auburn Football! War Eagle!
Cheryl Smith
Edward Jones
Bonnie Bell
Alabama Credit Union
Branch Manager – Alabama Credit Union
Bonnie has been in banking for over 14 years with wide-ranging experience in business development, relationship management, project management, team leadership and development, and branch operations. She has a proven record of outstanding member service due to her in-depth knowledge of financial services and credit offerings. Bonnie also has strong leadership and communication skills that promote strong staff loyalty. She has been a member of the Junior League of Mobile, the Daphne/Spanish Fort Rotary Club, Leadership Baldwin, and is active in several community projects along the Eastern Shore. Prior to her years in banking, she worked as a Preschool teacher at a local school and has a passion for helping children learn and grow.
Jerry Gardener
The Blacksmith Experience
Courtney Bustle
Trustmark Bank
Courtney Bustle is a dedicated business leader with over 20 years of experience in commercial and business banking. As Vice President and Community Banking Relationship Manager at Trustmark Bank, she works in Baldwin & Mobile counties, specializing in equipment financing, working capital lines of credit, commercial real estate, treasury management, and business development. Courtney is recognized for her ability to foster strong relationships, drive strategic growth, and support local businesses with tailored financial solutions.
Courtney is actively involved in numerous professional and community organizations. She serves as an Eastern Shore Chamber Ambassador, where she helps promote local businesses and economic growth. She is also a member of the Maidens of Mischief, a nonprofit women’s krewe dedicated to supporting women and children in need. Additionally, she is a member of the Foley Sister Cities Advisory Council, strengthening international relationships and cultural exchange.
Originally from Charlotte, NC, Courtney attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and the University of Hawaii. She began her career in Wilmington, NC, before moving to Myrtle Beach, SC, and later spent 13 years in Lafayette, LA. She relocated to Daphne, AL, four years ago, where she continues to make a significant impact in the local business community. A proud resident of Daphne, AL, Courtney, and her family are deeply connected to the community. As a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, she leverages her extensive network and expertise to support local businesses, foster economic development, and enhance community connections. Her passion for relationship-building and strategic consulting makes her a valuable advocate for business owners and professionals in the region.
George Ferniany
Coastal Human Resources
George Ferniany, as the former Co-Owner and Director of Operation of L.A. Subs, a local chain of five deli-restaurants, I was associated as a member of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce in the late 90's and early 2000's. In 2022 as a licensed insurance producer working with Aflac I rejoined the Chamber in order to network with familiar businesses and associates I previously worked with. Joining forces with Coastal Human Resources in October of 2022 I because a Business Development Representative.
Meghan Savage
Merchants & Marine Bank