COOKEVILLE – Longtime Vice President of Membership Dianne Callahan has retired from the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce after more than 16 years in her position.
“Dianne has made an enduring imprint on the business community in Putnam County as she has taken a personal interest in each Chamber member and has genuinely cared for their success,” said former Chamber Board President Phillip Baker. “With incredible passion, enthusiasm and dedication, she has been tirelessly devoted to the prosperity of each chamber member.”
A native of Monterey, Callahan began her career with Flowserve, progressing through the ranks to become a senior buyer with the company before retiring to begin her chamber career. In her role as vice president of membership, she was responsible for growing and retaining chamber membership, planning and executing events and supervising a team of ambassadors among various other integral tasks within the organization.
First National Bank Board Chairman Thomas Lynn commented, “Dianne undoubtedly believes in the cohesiveness of the business community, having us all work in tandem to improve the business climate and quality of life for our area. She has a passion for our community and the staff at the chamber. Throughout her career, she has fostered impressive relationships with everyone she came in contact with. She has a constant commitment to follow through, and her work was first class.”
In her time with the Chamber, Callahan made great strides in growing membership as well as working to apply for and receive a Four-Star Chamber Accreditation through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.
“Dianne was actually the person who introduced me to the Chamber in 2007,” Chamber President Amy New commented. “Her work and passion for the business community throughout the Upper Cumberland is something to be acknowledged, respected and celebrated. We will miss her charisma and dedication to our organization as she enters a well-deserved retirement.”
Callahan reflected on her time with the Chamber, “I loved my job, mainly because of the people, the team working toward a common goal. With success, the work became fun, the relationships lasting, the impact positive. My life was expanded throughout my time here and I am forever grateful.”
Callahan’s replacement will be announced in early January.
