TEXARKANA, Texas – The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce announced the retirement of Michael Malone, president and CEO, on Monday night.
Malone has served the Texarkana Chamber since February 2016, leading the organization in economic development and government relations. The chamber, under his leadership, was recognized as the 2020 Leadership Texarkana Organization of the Year.
Malone also serves on the board of directors for the local Caddo Area Council of Boy Scouts and is a member and past president of the Texarkana Wilbur Smith Rotary Club.
Director of Events and Communication Natalie Haywood said Malone is retiring, but will still be around to help if needed.
The chamber's board is expected to vote on and announce the choosing of an interim president within the next few days.
Haywood said Malone will be greatly missed by the chamber.
"Mike has always looked out for his people in the community, and he's always been a pleasure to work with," she said. "He'll be missed tremendously. He creates a level of excitement for our team, he's always brought a lot of fun and energy and we're just happy for him to take this next step in life."
She highlighted the importance of Malone's dedication to keep Texarkana's metropolitan statistical area (MSA) status.
"Something I saw working with him was how hard he worked to make sure Texarkana kept its MSA status," Haywood said. "He did what he was hired to do, and he did it well."
Malone also serves as a director on the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives board. He is a past instructor for the Arkansas State Chamber "Boot Camp." In 2020, Malone completed the U.S. Chamber Total Pipeline Management academy.
Malone has worked for over 37 years in the chamber industry having served as the chief executive officer of chambers in Virginia, Florida, Illinois, and West Virginia. He is a Certified Chamber Executive in the United States.
Haywood said she and the chamber wish Malone the best in his future endeavors.
"We're very excited for Mike," she said. "He's going to spend some time with his family now, and we're just happy for him. He's been doing this for a long time, and he deserves it."
(For additional information, reach the chamber at 819 North State Line Avenue, Texarkana, Texas: 903-792-7191, or [email protected])