Mendy McAdams (Class of 2018) has been named Executive Director of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. She has served as the Assistant Director at The Fairfield Arts & Convention Center for two and a half years.
In her new role, Mendy will work to promote and advocate for local business owners and employers in the community and plan, organize, and oversee a range of services and events for Chamber members. “Member visibility is essential and with events like Blast Off Golf Tournament to Chamber After Hours, we are able to help members in that area. The Chamber is vital to meeting the needs of local businesses and provide several wonderful programs like Leadership Fairfield. I look forward to building on the success of these programs and events as well as creating new opportunities for our members,” Mendy said.
Mendy shared how her time in the Ottumwa Leadership Academy has impacted her career. “I am so thankful for my time in the Ottumwa Leadership Academy. I learned not only leadership skills, but also people skills.” While Mendy asserts that she has never met a stranger and has the confidence to talk to anyone she meets, O.L.A. has solidified the importance of building positive relationships throughout the community. “Those friendships are vital to success in the future.”
Upon reflecting on the O.L.A. curriculum, Mendy shared, “I have reread ‘13 Ways to Kill Your Community’ and found something new to remember each time. Additionally, there were so many great speakers and tours during my time at O.L.A.
I also found building a project from the ground floor to fruition with people I barely knew to be a great learning opportunity. We had limited time to figure out the project, plan it, make marketing material, and then get it off the ground. Our project ‘Kindred Spirits’ joined preschoolers with nursing home residents with a superhero theme. I loved everything about it!”
Congratulations, Mendy!
