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Chamber Councils: A Driving Force in Chattanooga

Shana Brown, Magnolia Heart Creative

“I feel so welcome here.”

“I had no idea this is what the Chamber is all about.”

“I’m so glad that I visited this Chamber luncheon.”

These phrases uttered by first-time visitors to the East Brainerd Council monthly luncheon represent words spoken by so many when they grasp how powerful it can be to get involved with a Chamber of Commerce.

Monday through Friday, business owners, executives, employees, contract workers and freelancers map out how to tackle their day in their minds. There are emails to reply to and meetings to attend. It’s no wonder we look forward to the weekend.

However, there is one important key that helps each of us conquer our work days. It’s knowing that when we have a question, there's someone to provide an answer a few steps away, a phone call away or an email away. We conquer because we’re not in it alone.

What makes the Chamber such a driving force is how it effectively brings together professionals across all industries to provide the community and support necessary for each member to thrive. We champion each other’s causes. We provide referrals. We offer mentorship. We provide leadership opportunities.


The East Brainerd Council board is a dedicated team striving to help grow the reach of the Chamber in our footprint. The East Brainerd Council board continues to take our work to the next level by strengthening business partnerships and continuing to develop economic growth in our footprint. Our team is talented and passionate:

DeeAnna Jeffreys, the President, is a loan officer with Loan Simple. Her role is to help her neighbors secure financing and purchase primary residences or income properties.

Shawn Summey, the President Elect, is the Assistant Area Director for The Referrals Group. His goal is to build and coach networking groups to maximize referral opportunities.

Mark Jones, the Past President, works with Legal Shield. He is passionate about helping clients to have peace of mind knowing that they have an entire law firm on their side.

Brenda Pargeon, the Secretary, is the Vice President/Affiliate Broker for Crye-Leike Realtors. As a realtor, she works hard to help buyers and sellers achieve their dreams.

Will Diaz, the VP of Diversity and Inclusion, works with Capital Financial Group. He is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of savings and retirement.

Taylor Soltau, the VP of Education, works with Farmers Insurance. He loves managing clients' risks to make sure they are properly covered in the event of a loss.

TD Scott, the Treasurer, works with Southern Heritage Bank. His focus is on the handling of consumer, small business and commercial lending.

Pat Mahery, the VP of Sponsorships, works with Send Out Cards. He is a Referring Partner and is responsible for bringing new customers and referring partners into Send Out Cards.

Mark Stockman, the VP of Economic Development, is an architect with Allen & Hoshall – Architects and Engineers. As a registered architect, he is responsible for business development in the eastern Tennessee and Chattanooga regions.

Shana Browne, the VP of Communication, is the Owner & CEO of Magnolia Heart Creative. She passionately works with small businesses and nonprofits to help them leverage and understand digital marketing.

Jennifer Wardlaw, the VP of Membership, works with N2 Publishing. As Area Director, she operates a private neighborhood publication exclusively for the residents of the WindStone subdivision.

Skye Childers, the Programs Director, is an Account Executive at ClearBox Strategies. He works with businesses to find customers and increase their bottom lines.

Beth Mauldin, an at-large member, is the Owner of Total Fitness Kickboxing. She motivates her clients to build a total body workout routine. That way they will stay fit, healthy and energetic.

Cortney Hewitt, an at-large member, is the Director of Marketing for Keller Williams Realty – Jay Hudson Homes Team. She conveys the passion and respect of the Jay Hudson Homes team by creating a cultural brand through various marketing strategies.

Constance Coffman, an at-large member, works with Marriott. Her mission is to put people first and pursue excellence while embracing change, acting with integrity and serving our community.

Jennie Quarterman, an at-large member, works with Vision Hospitality Group. Her mission is to provide the finest experience for her hotel guests and create ongoing efforts that support the Chattanooga community.


The Chattanooga Chamber's 12 area Councils are the backbone of the Chamber's volunteer presence. The Councils support businesses in specific geographic areas within Hamilton County, providing opportunities for Chamber members to get involved in solving problems, discussing issues and supporting events and civic projects that benefit businesses, schools and other constituencies within the Council's footprint.

At monthly meetings, members enjoy networking opportunities and stimulating speakers.

Each Council serves the unique needs of its members with its own board, strategic plan, annual budget, programs and initiatives.


Learn more about Magnolia Heart Creative here. Want to get involved with a Chamber Council? Contact [email protected].

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