THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce has reached to the Azalea City for a spot in the Rose City.

The Chamber’s board of directors has hired Andrea Collins as the executive director.

“We were looking for someone who was a leader with excellent communication skills,” said Chamber board chairman Eric Ward. “We also wanted someone who had management and business experience in order to represent our membership well. We are very excited to hire Andrea Collins, and we are confident that her background has prepared her well to be an excellent executive director for our Chamber.”

Collins attended Valdosta State University and received a bachelor of fine arts degree in communication-public relations and masters in public administration.

She has worked for Azalea City Florist, the Easter Seals Southern Georgia, Comcast Spotlight and was founder of Southern Vines and Garden Market.

“She has more than 15 years of experience in marketing and public relations in both non-profits and large corporations,” Ward said. “In addition, Andrea has been a small business owner and entrepreneur having begun and grown her own company. We know that her expertise and experiences will be invaluable in her role as executive director of the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce.”

Collins and her family, husband Colby and daughter Cate, moved to Thomasville in April.

Ward said the Chamber board believes the organization has a very solid footing with its current programming, events and networking opportunities.

“However, we are certainly looking for ways to expand what we offer and increase the value that we provide for our membership,” he said. “This fall we are entering into a new phase with our Leadership Thomas program by joining with University of Georgia’s Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. This will provide the opportunity for participants to receive cutting edge, professional and leadership training.

“In addition to expanding our leadership program, we want to continue to provide new ways to support small business creation, growth and development in Thomasville and Thomas County,” Ward continued. “We are excited about the ideas and opportunities that Andrea will bring to us on both of these initiatives.”