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McCorry graduates from Academy

Brian Wilkinson

(Updated: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 1:25 PM)

Kathy McCorry, executive director of the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, was among 31 chamber executives to recently graduate from Academy, a professional development program presented by the Western Association of Chamber Executives.

Academy is an interactive three days a year for three years training program concentrating on chamber management for chamber executives.

During the three-year Academy program, McCorry participated in 18 three-hour classes and successfully completed additional independent study outside of the classroom.

Classes included human resources, financial policies and procedures, revenue development, media relations, conflict resolution and nonprofit corporate law.

McCorry said the association's accreditation is highly respected within the chamber industry.

"Regardless of background and education a person seeking to become a CEO of a larger chamber is almost always required to have completed this training in order to be eligible for consideration," McCorry said.

"Academy has provided a tremendous amount of knowledge and resources and I am prepared to address the current and future needs of our members," McCorry said. "I know what is required of a chamber and I have the tools and knowledge the to promote, develop and advocate on behalf of our Chamber membership."

She thanked her board of directors for their support and belief in the benefits of continuing education.

"We congratulate all of the graduates and their chambers for having the vision to invest in professional development," said President Dave Kilby, president of the association.

McCorry first came to the Chamber as a Boyer temp in July 2001. In October of that year, she became a part-time administrative assistant and became a full-time assistant two months later.

She was named the Chamber's executive assistant in 2002 and became operations's manager in 2003.

In April 2005, McCorry was named the executive director by the board of directors.

The Western Association of Chamber Executives is made up of chamber of commerce executives and staff professionals designed to promote and enhance professional development.

With approximately 800 members from 14 Western states, the association is the largest state or regional association of chamber of commerce executives in the United States.