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.
President - Tracy Goens
Elite Real Estate
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.
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!
Sandy Cooke
The Buckaroo Foundation
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!
Garrett Hughes
Hughes Funeral Home
Garrett Hughes was born and raised right here on the Eastern Shore. He attended the University of Mobile and graduated with a degree in Global Business. Garrett worked with City Hope Church in various roles, before joining the staff of University of Mobile in Marketing and Admissions roles. He worked for the university for six years, before stepping down to join his family business, Hughes Funeral Home, in Daphne. As a Funeral Director’s Apprentice, Garrett will assist with planning all aspects of the funeral service, continual learning from his parents and their staff, and continue to work to grow the business. Garrett is excited to help grow 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. Garrett lives in Daphne with his wife Melyssa. They enjoy cookouts with friends, watching the Auburn Tigers and New Orleans Saints, and spending time with their nieces and nephews.
Mark Martin
Roberts Brothers Real Estate
Alabama has always been my home. I was born in Bessemer, AL, where my fathers family was from. In my fourth year of grade school our family moved to Woodstock, AL, where I graduated at West Blocton High School.
As a teenager my brother and I had our own lawn business and helped our father in his flooring installation business. After high school I took over the flooring business and added in-home sales of flooring products. Also during the same time, I managed a gas station and a country store. In my mid-twenties, after buying several properties and building a home, I decided to go to real estate school. Once I had my real estate license I decided that I wanted to live and sell at the gulf coast in Baldwin County. I sold there for 9 years then moved back to my home area and co-founded Warrior Real Estate in the Tuscaloosa / Northport area. After 13 years of co-owning my own company I decided that selling real estate at the gulf coast was the best way to live. I sold my part of our company, moved to the beautiful town of Fairhope, AL and joined the long successful team at Roberts Brothers Real Estate.
I have three fantastic step-children and with my wife Mia and eight beautiful grandchildren. My hobby is sharing my knowledge of the real estate business and helping others buy and sell real estate
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.
Meghan Battles
Merchants and Marine Bank
I am currently a Branch Manager and consumer lender for Merchants & Marine Bank in both Daphne and Fairhope. I am married to Greg and between the two of us we have 4 children - Emma, Nicholas, Jacob & Alexander. We reside in Loxley but have always loved traveling all over the world.
I have been an Ambassador for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce since 2018. I am also a Board member for the Ruff Wilson Youth Organization, this year’s president-elect for the Daphne/Spanish Fort Rotary Club, and on the advisory council for Prodisee Pantry.
I love being involved in different community events and spend a great deal of time volunteering. When I’m not doing those things, you can find me on the beach with a book!
Lillie Busch
Southern View Media
Lillie Busch currently serves as Assistant Creative Director for Southern View Media. She graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a B.A. in Public Relations and two minors in English and Human Rights. Her previous digital marketing experience includes three internships from her undergraduate career: the Mobile Museum of Art in Mobile, Alabama, and the Center for Human Rights & Civil Liberties and VisitHATTIESBURG in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. A passionate storyteller with an eye for human interest, Busch has received recognition for both her journalism and fiction.
Deborah York Salisbury
Content Fresh
Deborah Salisbury, APR, is a social media and online marketing consultant. Her company, Content Fresh provides full service social media management in addition to website consulting and training. Since founding Content Fresh in 2009, Deborah has been building digital footprints and improved the online visibility for more than 50 small businesses along the Alabama Gulf Coast. With a technical education and a passion for writing, she has been involved with social media from the beginning – as communications manager for a dotcom when online message boards became popular for stock traders. In 2017, she became an accredited Continuing Education instructor for the Alabama Real Estate Commission and regularly teaches classes on Social Media, Facebook for Business, and Facebook Advertising.
Wynona Salter
Wynona's Insurance Agency
My name is Pamela Wynona Salter. My husband David and I own Wynona's Insurance Agency. Before Covid-19 we had a office in Gulf Shores now we work out of our house in Spanish Fort. I started working for ALFA Insurance Oct. 16,1986. The first year ALFA gave Commercial Agent of Year for the company I won. I also won Cabinet Award for AIG in 2006 beating out all the other agents in 48 states. I sat on the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo as a voting member from 2004 to 2008. I am licensed in Alabama and Florida. I am married to David Salter and have one son David Schoen(Little Dude). God Bless
Derek Rowan
Rowan Payments
Hi my name is Derek Rowan, owner of Rowan Payments, a local payment processing company here on the Gulf Coast. We provide Point-Of-Sale systems, payroll and payment processing to the businesses in our community. Our motto is simple, no contracts and local service!
I began my career in the hospitality & tourism industry as a director of marketing for a group of restaurants. I witnessed firsthand how important the POS system is and how it impacts every aspect of the business. Whether it was taking orders, tracking sales, or having employees clock in and out, it seemed to be at the center of operating our company.
I work closely with small business owners and supporting what they do is something that I’m grateful for.
At Rowan Payments, we offer competitive rates and no contracts ever. That means month-to-month terms and no early termination fees. We handle all installations and offer ongoing support. By working with us, you can avoid sitting on hold for hours with a big corporation to solve a simple problem. Our local touch is what makes all the difference.
Katherine (Kat) Gray
Empower Insurance Solutions
Kat Gray is a Mobile native that has returned from Colorado to raise her family on the Gulf Coast. She is married to her high school sweetheart and together they have three kiddos. Kat has been in the health insurance industry for several years and truly has a passion for community building and helping small businesses thrive while educating individuals on health benefits. Kat prides herself on solving problems no matter how complicated to insure that they have the best benefits for their specific goals and needs. Kat desires to help build the community in any way she can assist.
Autumn Zellner
STARS Early Learning Academy LLC
Owner and director of STARS Early Learning Academy LLC
As the Baldwin County area continues to grow, I want STARS to be a resource for the community; a place that welcomes new families and helps them find a place among friends. A place to provide experts on each stage of development as new families learn to navigate the every changing waters of parenting. It is my strong belief we are truly better together.
STARS Early Learning Academy LLC is the first in Baldwin County to receive 4 stars from the state quality rating system.
We have recently been awarded grants that allowed us to purchase new furniture and toys as well as playground equipment.
At STARS we help children reach higher and prepare them for success in school and beyond.
Jasmine Philyaw
Coastal Alabama Community College
Jasmine Philyaw currently serves as a Career Coach at Coastal Alabama Community College. She has been active in this role for almost two years and has worked at Coastal Alabama for almost seven years. Jasmine started her higher education journey as an Enrollment Specialist and has been passionate about the field ever since. A native of Evergreen, Alabama, and a product of a community college. Jasmine began her academic journey at Faulkner State Community College, later transferring to Troy University, receiving Bachelor’s degree in Communication studies, and a Master’s in Strategic Communication Studies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, painting, spending time with her fur baby and friends. She is looking forward to serving as an Ambassador and adding diversity to the committee.
Gabriel Puello
Cintas
In 2019, Gabriel Puello joined the Cintas team as Sales Service Representative, responsible for the delivery and management of accounts for the customers on his route. After exhibiting success in this role, Gabriel was promoted early in 2022 into the sales team as the Work Apparel Rep for Mobile and Baldwin counties. He’s enjoyed returning as an ambassador of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, given him the opportunity to help new members get the most out of their memberships while supporting the community’s economic development. Gabriel lives in Daphne with his rescue dog, Pearl, and loves spending time outdoors in the beautiful Eastern Shore.
Marcus Mitchell
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
COMMISSIONER MARCUS F. MITCHELL
LIEUTENANT COLONEL, U.S. ARMY (RETIRED)
Commissioner Mitchell was born in Mobile, Alabama and raised in Jackson, Alabama. After graduating from high school, he attended Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama. After graduating from college, he was commissioned and spent nearly three decades in the U.S. Army. Commissioner Mitchell knows what true selfless service is - and it’s not about climbing the ranks or receiving a bigger paycheck. It is the camaraderie, the pride, the service and commitment. Quite simply - it is about being a part of something greater than yourself. His enlisted and officer service career span over 28 years, he retired after reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Appointed by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey in March 2020 to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Commissioner Mitchell is responsible for overseeing the local, state and federal management and administration of the Battleship Memorial Park. Also, serves as Chairman, Operations & Long-Range Planning Committee, cultivates and solicits major gifts and donors and makes important decisions that directly affect the citizens of Alabama and its visitors. Attends all meetings within reason, maintaining a good steward of the taxpayers’ money, and effectively work in the position to instill trust in local, state, and federal government.
Currently, he is also Managing Director of International Solutions Research Group (ISRG), LLC, a minority owned, service-connected, disabled veteran, federal government contracting firm located in the RSA Tower in downtown Mobile, Alabama. ISRG is a one-stop Business development, capture, and proposal consulting company that helps Federal Government Contractors win business and grow. He has worked with OST Global Solutions, Coastal Alabama Community College, Goodwill Industries International of the Greater Gulf Coast, The University of South Alabama, the Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System and the Southern Company.
He holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Alabama A&M University and a MS degree in Management of Information Systems from Texas A&M University System.
Commissioner Mitchell loves to read and write. Also, when he’s not hunting or fishing, you can find him cheering for the Spanish Fort High School Toros Sports Teams! He currently resides in Daphne, Alabama with his wife Michelle and their daughters, Micah and McKayley.
Steven Isbell
Synovus Bank
Steven Isbell is a native to the Baldwin County area, growing up in the Daphne and graduating from Daphne High School in 2006. He then attended Coastal Alabama Community College and graduated from Huntingdon College in 2014 with a BS in Business Management. He began his career in the financial industry in 2010 with an 8 year tenure with Mobile Educators Credit Union, where he held various positions from teller to marketing representative. He has been with Synovus Bank since 2019 and is the Branch Service Supervisor of the Daphne Branch. He and his wife of 12 years reside in Spanish Fort with their two boys. They enjoy spending time as a family outdoors. In the summers you can find them on the beach or kayaking down one of our rivers!
Cheryl Smith
Edward Jones
Throughout my life, helping others has been an integral part of who I am. I chose a career in financial services because I believe I can make a difference in the lives of families in my community.
After over a decade of working in corporate retail, I was ready for a new challenge. A challenge that would help me grow personally as well as professionally all while allowing me to do what I am truly passionate about.
At Edward Jones, we strive to make sure clients feel heard, and that we understand their unique story. We also work to help clients understand the investment world in terms they can relate to. With many years of business management experience, I am passionate about building lasting relationships and great teams, and helping others reach their goals. I hold a bachelor's degree in business administration and hold the Series 7, Series 63 and Series 65 licenses.
I work together with you to personalize each financial strategy specifically to meet your needs and aspirations. We understand that everyone is unique and there is no one size fits all plan. We can accomplish this by getting to know you and implementing a strategy that gives you the confidence to handle whatever life may throw your way.
When I am not in the office, I am spending time with my twin daughters. We love to craft, go antique shopping and spend time by the pool. I am also very active in our community helping with the local Food for Backpack program and Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama, and I serve as a member of the Point Clear Rotary Club.
If you are interested in a financial partner that is passionate about helping you reach your greatest potential… Let's connect today. I would love the opportunity to get to know you, so give me a call today!
Kari Wolfe
AVIZO
Kari Wolfe is the Creative Content Director for the accounting and business consulting firm, Avizo Group, Inc. Kari is responsible for the firm’s marketing and communication efforts, a role which provides the opportunity to help make accounting more “fun” for the firm’s clients and employees. She has been active in the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce by serving on the Member Value Committee and most recently as the Publicity Chair for the Young Professionals Board. Kari is also extremely involved with the Eastern Shore Sertoma Club, where she is currently serving as the chapter President. She a graduate of Spring Hill College and Auburn University where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communications. When not working or volunteering, Kari enjoys hanging out with her dog, taking a Peloton class, drinking wine at Provision, or booking a trip to explore somewhere new.
Jesus Martinez
Peach Tree Commercial Capital
Heather Guy
Solace Massage Therapy LLC
Heather Guy, is a Licensed Massage Therapist and owner of Solace Massage Therapy, here in Daphne. She specialized in medical massage for pain relief and palliative care massage for oncology and hospice patients. As a cancer survivor, Heather is passionate about wellness and bringing the benefits of massage to those who need it most. Heather has training in lymphatic massage as well as End-of-life care and has won two Nappie Awards as Best Massage Therapist of Baldwin county, from the Lagniappe magazine. Heather lives in Daphne with her daughter Bella, and their dog Winston.
Wendy Melton
Synergy HomeCare
Wendy Melton is the Administrator for Synergy HomeCare, responsible for HR, Quality Assurance, Scheduling, and Operations. Originally from Lakeland, Florida, Wendy graduated from Auburn University in 2002 and moved with her husband to Daphne in 2005 to be closer to family. Wendy has over ten years experience in hospital administration, and in the past five years serving in the private sector as Administrator over multi-speciality clinics. Wendy and her husband have two daughters and three dogs and enjoy spending time outdoors.