We are pleased to announce that ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, has named Katie Collins one of its ACCE 40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders Shaping the Chamber Industry for 2022. Collins, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Engagement for Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., serves as the organization’s managing officer focusing on branding, communications, and events. She joined Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. in 2018, working with the executive team on the creation and fulfillment of strategic initiatives.
Collins has been integral to the execution of several transformative initiatives at Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., including the planning and development of the organization’s nationwide talent recruitment and retention marketing, its 2030 Vision, and introducing inaugural events including the State of Education and the Golf Tournament.
“Katie Collins is an emerging leader within our community and has been an integral part of the creation of Greater Winston Salem Inc.,” says Mark Owens, President and CEO. “Leading a department that focuses on membership, communication and events for a chamber of almost 1,000 members and a community of over 450,000 people, she has a unique ability to relate to the needs of businesses and find solutions that best fit. Her knowledge, experience and innovative mindset are an asset to our organization, our business community and the chamber industry.”
Collins began her chamber career with the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce as the Director of Marketing and Events in 2013. During her time there she helped develop the nationally recognized and award-winning workforce development program GreerMade, before being promoted to Vice President of Operations.
She grew up in South Carolina where she developed a love for shrimp and grits and Gamecock football. She attended the University of South Carolina, where she earned an undergraduate degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. In 2018 she earned the IOM designation through the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management.