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Jan. 1, 2025, brings with it not only a new year but the conclusion of Teresa B. Beale’s extraordinary tenure with the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce that featured 37 years of service, including two decades as the chamber’s executive director.

Beale had announced earlier in 2024 that she would be retiring after the end of the year, and she took some time on her final day of work to reflect on her decision and on her time with the chamber.

“The chamber is in a good, stable place financially, membership is steady with a strong Board of Directors in place,” she said. “I felt this was the time to transition to the next generation who will lead the organization into the future. I’m also looking forward to a relaxed, flexible schedule and spending more time with my husband John.”

Thirty-one-year-old Madison Berryman was announced as the chamber’s next executive director on Nov. 8, and Beale has been helping her learn the role since then.

Beale first came to work for the chamber in 1987 when she was hired as the office manager. She garnered 17 years of chamber experience working with then-Executive Director Donna McCullough.

“Donna was a beloved mentor and prepared me to lead the chamber,” Beale said. “When Donna retired in 2004, the Chamber Board of Directors appointed me as her successor.”

Beale was only the sixth executive director to lead the chamber. She noted that her predecessors were as follows:

• Lois Milner — 1954-64; 
• George C. Washington — 1965-66; 
• John Johnstone — 1966-71;
• David Kahlbaugh — 1972-76; and
• Donna McCullough — 1976-2004.

Beale highlighted the achievements during her 37 years with the chamber that she is most proud of.

“I’m most proud of all of the partnerships and relationships the chamber developed to enhance Franklin-Southampton,” she said. “Working together is the only way to move our community forward.” 

Then, sharing several other key achievements, she listed, “Sustaining our organization while offering critical support to businesses through the flood of 1999 and the pandemic; the creation of the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber Foundation; promoting our young leaders through the Inside Business Hampton Roads 40 Under 40 Awards; (and) helping to create benefits supporting small businesses such as the Wise Choice Healthcare Alliance.”

When reflecting on the executive director job that she has held for the last 20 years, Beale said that what comes to her mind is “how very fortunate we are to live in this community full of caring people. I’ve been blessed to meet and work with a multitude of dedicated volunteers, businesses and community leaders. Sol W. Rawls Jr. was the chamber’s first president in 1954 and spent every day working to make Franklin-Southampton thrive. His leadership, mentorship and friendship inspired me to better serve the community. It has been an honor to serve in this role and play a part in our progress.”

First on the list of what Beale will miss most about the job is working with Chamber Office Manager Melissa Rose every day.

“We have a true partnership, and she makes work and life rewarding and fun,” Beale said. “Our close friendship will continue, but I’ll really miss the daily excitement and activities. I’ll also miss the camaraderie with our board and members.”

Beale said that in her retirement, she plans to “play more golf and pickleball, and there are several projects around the house and yard that I will finally have time to tackle. John and I are hoping for more beach time with friends and maybe a little traveling. I’ll also remain active on several local boards and committees.”