Chamber names Malone as CEO: New leader to assume duties March 1

The Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday announced the hiring of Michael Malone as president and CEO.

The announcement was made by board chairman Cory Floyd.

Malone will be responsible for directing the chamber's services, economic development and public policy activities for the chamber's members.

"Mike impressed us with his extensive track record of success in the business of managing several chambers of commerce. He also brings an innovative approach I believe will build on the strengths of the Texarkana region to deliver our chamber's mission. We're excited," Floyd said.

"Texarkana has two different communities, and this will be an opportunity to build unity. It's a great place to be," Malone said.

Malone has served as chamber president in Winchester, Va.

He has more than 28 years of chamber experience and served as the CEO of chambers in Virginia, Florida, Illinois and West Virginia.

Malone is one of 350 Certified Chamber Executives in the United States. He has also served as the chairman of the Illinois Association of Chamber Executives.

Malone is a graduate of West Virginia University with a master's degree in government.

He has participated in economic development programs from industrial park management to community marketing.

Malone has been active in public policy and has led delegations to numerous state capitals and Washington, D.C., to discuss business issues and community needs.

He has served in community leadership positions with the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, local school associations, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, United Way and local churches.

Malone has served as the chairman of the Entrepreneurship Institute of Shenandoah University.

He has also served as a member of the Business Symposium Committee of the College of Business for Shenandoah University and the advisory board of Shenandoah University College of Business.

Malone and his wife, Cindy, have been married 40 years and have two children, Jason, an attorney and business law professor at Virginia Tech University, and Sabrina, a pediatrician completing a fellowship in neonatology in Salt Lake City.

He is relocating to Texarkana from Northern Virginia and will assume duties March 1.

Buddy Allen, who served as the Texarkana chamber's interim president and CEO, will help in the transition, Floyd said.

"He will serve as a special assistant. Buddy has served admirably and has done an excellent job," Floyd said.

Allen is a retired manager of the Domtar paper mill in Ashdown, Ark.

The Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce was founded 110 years ago and is a nonprofit business-focused organization with more than 1,000 members, ranging in size from large corporations to small businesses, from nonprofit agencies to higher education institutions.

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