RICHMOND—Teresa B. Beale, executive director of the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, was recently named Virginia’s Chamber Executive of the Year.

The Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives made the announcement during its annual meeting in Warrenton.

Beale was unable to attend due to a death in the family, and Chamber Immediate Past President Clyde Parker accepted the award.

The award recognizes outstanding performance in Chamber of Commerce management in Virginia and is presented to an individual who has exhibited being a leader in the chamber and community. Outstanding achievements, effectiveness in addressing challenges, professionalism, program development and implementation, fiscal management, stature in the community and other qualities are discussed on the nomination form.

“We are tremendously pleased to have Teresa named as “Exec of the Year,’ ” said Robert W. Hershberger, past president of the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. “Teresa Beale has been a consummate chamber professional throughout her distinguished career, and I’m delighted she has received this prestigious recognition from her peers. It is well deserved.”

Beale has served as executive director of the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber for the six years, and prior to that, served as office manager for 16 years.

She has served on the board of directors of New Outlook, Chowan College Board of Visitors and the Executive Committee of the Franklin-Southampton Alliance.

Beale currently serves on the board of directors of Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Southampton Memorial Hospital and Franklin Business Incubator. She is also a member of the Regional Workforce Development Council at Paul D. Camp Community College.

The Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, administered by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, is an alliance of chamber executives representing localities throughout the state.