Chamber Names Reggie Ash as Next President & CEO
The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Reggie Ash as the organization’s next President & CEO, effective July 27, 2026.
Ash was selected following a comprehensive national search led by the Chamber’s Board of Directors and CEO Search Committee. He brings an exceptional combination of executive leadership, economic development experience, business advocacy expertise, and a demonstrated ability to build partnerships that strengthen organizations and communities.
Ash will succeed Crystal Brown, who joined the Chamber staff in 2012 and has served as President & CEO since July 2021. Following a distinguished career of service to the Decatur-Morgan County business community, Brown announced earlier this year her plans to retire, with her last day set for July 31.
“Reggie emerged as an exceptional candidate whose vision, experience, and passion for serving businesses align closely with the Chamber’s mission and strategic priorities,” said Cindy Smith, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “We are confident he will provide the leadership necessary to advance our organization, support our members, and help shape an even stronger future for Morgan County.”
Kelli Powers, Chair of the CEO Search Committee, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Reggie to Alabama and to the Decatur-Morgan County community. Throughout the search process, he consistently demonstrated the leadership, energy, and collaborative spirit we were seeking in our next CEO. His experience, strategic mindset, and commitment to community success make him uniquely qualified to lead the Chamber into its next chapter.”
A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Ash brings more than 24 years of leadership experience spanning nonprofit management, economic development, cyber operations, international affairs, workforce development, and strategic planning.
During his military career, he commanded the 21st Mission Support Group, responsible for the efficient functioning of Peterson AFB, and he served in senior political-military affairs roles at U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, and the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC. Following his retirement from military service, Ash continued his commitment to community impact by founding Colorado’s first military-themed charter school, the Colorado Military Academy.
He later served as Chief Defense Development Officer and second-in-command for the Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, where he was a leading voice on aerospace and defense-related economic development initiatives and helped strengthen member engagement, volunteer leadership, and public policy advocacy efforts. Most recently, he has worked as a consultant specializing in economic development, workforce development, job creation, and regional investment strategies.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as President & CEO of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce,” said Ash. “This is a highly respected organization with a strong foundation, a dedicated membership, and a clear vision for the future. I look forward to building on the outstanding work of Crystal Brown, the Board of Directors, and the Chamber team while working alongside our members and community leaders to strengthen partnerships, support business success, and advance opportunities that benefit Morgan County.”
Ash also expressed his enthusiasm for becoming part of the Decatur community.
“What stood out to me immediately about Decatur was the genuine sense of pride, connection, and collaboration that exists throughout the community,” he said. “This is a place where people care deeply about their businesses, their neighbors, and their shared future. I’m excited to call Decatur home and contribute to the continued growth and success of Morgan County.”
As President & CEO, Ash will oversee the Chamber’s operations, strategic initiatives, membership programs, advocacy efforts, and community partnerships. He will work closely with business leaders, elected officials, educational institutions, and regional stakeholders to advance economic prosperity and enhance quality of life throughout the region.
The Board of Directors extends its gratitude to the Search Committee, Chamber staff, members, and community stakeholders who participated in the search process and helped identify the Chamber’s next leader.
The Chamber retained YGM, LLC to manage the national search process. Led by Anissa Starnes, IOM, Chief Impact Officer, YGM specializes in executive search, leadership transition, and strategic counsel for chambers of commerce across the country.
The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization dedicated to promoting business success, economic growth, and community development throughout Morgan County. Representing more than 800 member businesses and organizations, the Chamber serves as the voice of business while fostering collaboration, leadership, and innovation across the region.