Chamber Ambassadors are among the most connected and active members. These dedicated volunteers share their knowledge and experiences with our newest members guiding them along the path of Chamber success. Ambassadors are local professionals, business owners, community advocates and volunteers for many local initiatives.
We asked our Ambassadors a series of questions so you can get to know them better.
Adam Kreisher, Lead Ambassador | M & T Bank Commercial Relationship Manager – Vice President
How long have you been a member of the Chamber? 4.5 yrs, I am a former Gen Connect Chair
Where are you originally from? Mifflinburg, PA
What is your favorite candy? Frozen Snickers
What are some of your personal hobbies? Avid outdoorsman – Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, etc.
Why did you want to be an Ambassador? The Chamber is and was a huge catalyst for a new young professional in the area to get to know other business professionals and the Frederick community. Being an Ambassador allows me to pay that back and support others in the same manner.
Laura Beall | Financial Advisor, Hummingbird Wealth Management
How long have you been a member of the Chamber? 5 months under Hummingbird and 4 years prior at previous company
Where are you originally from? Frederick County Maryland. Grew up in Unionville which is the other side of Libertytown. Graduated from Linganore High School
What is your favorite candy? Almond Joy
What are some of your personal hobbies? Reading, Gardening, spending time with my 2 granddaughters. I am an animal lover proud parents of 2 dogs, 8 goats and 3 sheep. Also have 2 horses on our little farm. 1 we are fostering and 1 that belongs to my niece. Enjoy working with the horses and watching my niece compete.
What is one book you think everyone should read? The Bible
Why did you want to be an Ambassador? I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. Embarking in something new can be overwhelming and having an advocate who has been there is so important. It is a win win for both the Ambassador and the New Member.
Acacia Bowens | Owner & CEO, Ak’s Grafix & Photo
How long have you been a member of the Chamber? This is my second year with the Frederick County Chamber but was a member of the Gainesville (FL) Chamber for several years.
Where are you originally from? I grew up in Southwest Florida but moved from Gainesville, FL.
What is your favorite candy? Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or Whatchamacallit
What are some of your personal hobbies? Photography was my hobby but I loved it so much I turned it into part of my business plan! Other than taking photos I love spending time with my family, dancing, and traveling.
What is a book you think everyone should read? I am currently reading Chop Wood, Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf and it has so many valuable lessons on putting in the work, trusting the process, and realizing that success is not made by grand sweeping gestures but, through continuous work that happens day in and day out.
Why did you want to be an Ambassador? The Chamber has truly helped me and my business thrive in the Frederick Community, both personally and professionally. The Chamber is the best-kept (not so secret) secret. I love the idea of sharing my knowledge and experience with someone new to ensure that they will get just as much from their membership along with feeling just as connected and welcome as I did joining the Chamber!
Jennifer Calara | Owner, The Calara Agency Farmers Insurance
How long have you been a member of the Chamber? 4.5 years
Where are you originally from? I grew up in Springfield, VA. The military moved me to several states and countries, but I came home in 2011. Frederick is how Springfield used to be back in the 80’s.
What is your favorite candy? Toblerone Dark
What is one book you think everyone should read? The Power of Zero by David McKnight
What advice would you give to someone wanting to join the Chamber? When I became a business owner, joining this particular chamber was a no brainer. It’s not only an investment in yourself, but also investing in a community that is bigger than ourselves. You’ll connect with like-minded individuals, grow your business, and market your expertise. Through the many networking events, you’ll make lifetime friendships while building a trusted circle who will support you when you are up and especially when you are down.
Megan Donovan | CEO, SHIFT Work + Play
How long have you been a member of the Chamber? I joined the Chamber as a new member during the Spring of 2022, as I was working on bringing my new business to life. In August I won the “Idea Stage” of the Chamber’s 2022 SHE Pitch Competition and I opened SHIFT Work + Play 3 months later. I joined the Women in Business Committee in January 2023.
Where are you originally from? South Kingstown, Rhode Island
What is your favorite candy? Sour Patch Kids
What are some of your personal hobbies? When not running and growing my business, parenting two little kids, or eating and sleeping, I enjoy teaching therapeutic horseback riding lessons, reading, hiking and listening to true crime podcasts.
Why did you want to be an Ambassador? The Chamber has played an important role in my journey as a business owner. It is a vibrant, active, caring community with an incredible array of resources to offer its members. I look forward to meeting new people and learning and sharing more about Frederick’s business community as an Ambassador.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? Come to an event and see what the Chamber is all about. If you’re feeling shy, reach out to the Chamber or to a member you know so you have a “buddy” to meet there.