Athens Chamber Staff
David Bradley
President & CEO
David has had the opportunity to serve as President of two other Chambers of Commerce in North Carolina since 1998. Prior to that, he ran a plastics extrusion plant in North Carolina. David became the CEO/President of the AACOC in 2018 and is excited for all of the opportunities and challenges that this new role brings.
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
Big city amenities with small town charm.
Favorite Athens event?
Favorite food?
Pizza with cold beer. Well... anything with cold beer, really.
Fun fact?
I have acted in, directed, and/or re-written around 40 community theater shows.
Kim Childs
Director of Member Services
Marissa Chastain
Director of Sales
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Marissa received a BFA in Art Education from the University of Georgia in 2012. She has professional experience in customer service and marketing. Prior to working with the Chamber, she was engaged in several capacities including Ambassador and Chair of the Small Business Breakfast Club. Marissa will oversee the Chamber’s membership growth and marketing efforts.
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
I love that there's always something fun to do in Athens, from the vibrant arts scene to the beautiful parks and other spots to take in nature.
What is your favorite food?
Nothing beats pizza so Ted's Most Best is one of my favorite local restaurants. Delicious food and a great patio.
What made you consider working at the Athens Chamber?
I have loved volunteering with the chamber and attending events over the last 7-8 years. I'm super passionate about the Athens community and seeing local businesses thrive, so felt like a natural fit.
Fun fact?
My husband and I enjoy singing and playing guitar/ukulele. We've played at a few local spots like the Foundry and the Athens Farmers Market.
Jake Hendon
Membership Sales
Jake Hendon graduated from the University of Georgia this past December. Jake loves to cook and go on hiking trips with family. He's excited to begin working for the Athens Chamber and the city of Athens.
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
I love that Athens is so unique and the pride everyone living here has for Athens.
What is your favorite food?
Sushi.
What is your favorite event in Athens?
My favorite event in Athens is the twilight centennial.
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What made you want to join the Chamber?
I considered the chamber because of the passion and creativity I saw from the staff during my interviews.
Becky Beasley
Accountant
Becky is a CPA and has vast experience working in several different financial positions. She was a Financial Services Manager and Financial Analyst for Coca-Cola affiliated companies and on audit staff for public accounting firms Grant Thorton and Deloitte, just to name a couple positions she's held. She helps us track all of our financials and makes sure that we stay in budget.
Favorite restaurant in Athens?
Marker 7 Coastal Grill
Favorite Athens Event?
Favorite movie?
Remember the Titans
If you could be famous for any reason, what would you want it to be?
Podcast host
Colleen Craven
Intern
Colleen just graduated in May of 2021 from The University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Social Work and plans to continue on at UGA to pursue her master's degree in Social Work. Her work at the Chamber this summer is focused around expanding the visibility of businesses on our website and our current business directory to further connect Athenians with their local businesses.
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
All of the restaurants and events extremely unique to Athens. My list of must-dos has not been completed in my 4 years of living here, yet!
What is your favorite food?
General Tso's Chicken from Dinner Party
What is your favorite event in Athens?
Twilight, hands down!
What made you consider working at the Athens Chamber?
I am eager to learn about the intersection of the business realm and social work.
Cody Fitzpatrick
Intern
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Cody recently graduated from The University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Social Work in May 2021 and is continuing on at UGA to pursue his master's degree in Social Work. He is interning at the Chamber for the summer and his focus is to help expand the visibility and connectedness of businesses on our website and current business directory to other local businesses and local Athenians.
What is your favorite event in Athens?
Athens Pride
What is your favorite movie?
Holding the Man
What made you consider working at the Athens Chamber?
The chance to help the Chamber grow in a sense of diversity and inclusion for the community
Fun Fact?
My right eye is 1/4 brown 3/4 blue