Botetourt Chamber announces interim Executive Director

FINCASTLE — On November 24, 2020, the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Keith Hartman as the Interim Executive Director of the Chamber, following the resignation of Grant Holmes.  

Mr. Hartman has served on the Chamber Board of Directors and on the Executive Committee since July, and brings a wide skill set to this role.  Keith has had leadership experience with both small and large businesses throughout his career, including over five years with an international leader in peer advisory and leadership development for CEOs and senior leaders of small to mid-size businesses. 

After relocating to Roanoke, Keith led the Roanoke Region Small Business Development Center (RR SBDC), where he worked with business owners and community leaders throughout the eight-county coverage of the RR SBDC.  While there, Keith established and enhanced relationships with stakeholders and investment partners, opened auxiliary offices for the RR SBDC in the New River Valley, brought a full-time business advisor on board to serve the NRV area, and implemented a grant in support of tourism for Botetourt County.  

Since retiring from the RR SBDC, Keith has been active not only with the Chamber, but also has volunteered on several regional committees focused on economic development and access to capital. 

While in this interim role, Mr. Hartman will work with current Chamber employees Jennifer Vance and Lisa Otey.  Chamber members can expect continued leadership and vision from the Chamber, and they can know that they will continue to be fully supported as this transition occurs.  The Board appreciates the willingness of Mr. Hartman to take on this role and looks forward to the leadership he will bring as the search for a full time Executive Director proceeds.