Who would have thought back when Amy Alder was a fresh-faced student at Oxford High School, she would one day be responsible for helping her local business community grow and prosper.
The 30-year-old Oxford resident accepted an offer last week from the Chamber of Commerce to be the organization’s new executive director.
Friday was her first day on the job.
‘I felt like I would fit right in,? said Alder, a 1995 OHS graduate. ‘I grew up here. I love Oxford. I’ved moved a few times to different areas, but I’ve always come back.?
Alder, who has a master’s degree in tourism and event management from George Washington University, is excited by all of the growth her hometown is currently experiencing, from the renovation of historic buildings to the construction of new buildings.
‘It’s fabulous how much is going on,? she said. ‘Businesses are wanting to come here. They’re seeing that it’s the up and coming area.?
Most of Alder’s previous work experience centered around coordination of events, promotions, dealing with the public and assuming various leadership roles.
Describing herself as ‘outgoing, friendly and very approachable,? one of Alder’s main goals as the new director is to ‘create great personal relationships? with everyone from the chamber’s board of directors and membership to village, township and DDA.
‘I want to have a great relationship with everybody,? she said. ‘I want to bring everyone together.?
To accomplish this, Alder, who lives on Pearl Street in the village, said she wants people to feel free to talk to her about whatever’s on their mind.
‘I’m someone who always welcomes feedback, suggestions, anything,? she said.
Alder said she wants to be seen as not only a ‘community leader,? but also ‘a friend.?
‘I hope I’m someone that anybody could feel comfortable turning to,? she said.
When she’s not busy at work, Alder’s busy at home raising two children ? Zack, 12, and Grace, 3.
As for hobbies, she said, ‘Being a mom, I don’t really have a lot of hobbies, but I do love to bake and travel ? it’s usually more watching the Travel Channel.?
Alder can be reached by calling the chamber office at 628-0410 or e-mailing info@oxfordchamber.com.