Crystal Brown to Retire as President and CEO of the Chamber
After more than a decade of service to the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and a distinguished career dedicated to community leadership, Crystal Brown has announced her retirement as president and chief executive officer, effective in July 2026.
Crystal joined the Chamber staff in 2012 and has served as President and CEO since July 2021. During her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the Chamber’s mission to strengthen the business climate and overall quality of life in Decatur-Morgan County through strategic partnerships, business advocacy, workforce and education initiatives and long-range community planning. Crystal’s leadership has been grounded not only in professional excellence, but also in her strong faith and values, which have influenced her approach to leadership, collaboration and community service.
“Crystal has led this organization with an exceptional level of excellence and accountability,” said Kelli Powers, chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and President of Decatur Morgan Hospital. “She expects the best of herself and others, and that mindset has strengthened the Chamber, elevated our work and delivered meaningful results for our members and community. Her ability to bring people together around shared goals has positioned the Chamber for continued success well into the future.”
As president and CEO, Crystal led efforts focused on business retention and expansion, residential growth, workforce development and public policy advocacy. She worked closely with elected officials, business leaders, educators and community partners to address key challenges and opportunities facing the region. Under her leadership, the Chamber continued to evolve as a convener, connector and advocate for businesses of all sizes.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve this Chamber and the community I care so deeply about,” said Crystal. “Following John Seymour, who built an incredible foundation for the Chamber, was both an honor and a responsibility. I am proud of the work we accomplished together and thankful for the dedicated staff, volunteers, board members and community partners who made it possible.”
Prior to becoming president and CEO, Crystal served as vice president of development and director of business development for the Chamber. Before joining the Chamber, she spent 18 years at The Decatur Daily, including four years as advertising director, where she built a strong foundation in leadership, business development, and strategic communications.
Crystal’s commitment to excellence and service extends well beyond the Chamber. She has held leadership roles with numerous local and statewide organizations, including the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, the Athens State University Board of Trustees, Leadership Alabama, One Decatur, the Business Council of Alabama and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, where she served as chairwoman in 2022 and past chairwoman in 2023.
Throughout her career, Crystal has received numerous honors recognizing both her professional excellence and community impact, including the ATHENA International Leadership Award, Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama Chamber Professional of the Year, Decatur-Morgan County Minority Development Association Humanitarian of the Year, Rotary District 6860 Vocational Service Award, Rotary Club of Decatur Citizen of the Year and the Jamie Wallace Award presented by the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama.
As she looks ahead to retirement, Brown shared that she is excited to spend more time with her family. She is married to Murphy Brown and is the proud mother of three daughters and two sons-in-law—Briana (Deon) Bass, Courtney (Carrington) Calvin and Sydney—and grandmother to Rosalyn and Cameron.
The Executive Committee of the Chamber’s Board of Directors has begun the process of identifying and recruiting the next president and CEO who will build upon Crystal’s leadership and continue advancing the Chamber’s mission.
The Chamber staff is deeply grateful for Crystal’s years of leadership, mentorship and unwavering passion for our community. Please join us in thanking her for her extraordinary service and wishing her all the best in a well-earned retirement.