Ambassadors & Emissaries

Stephen was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management from Athens State University. He is a Project Management Professional with over 10 years of Utility Experience.

In his current role as a Key Account Representative, he manages over 50 of Huntsville Utilities’ largest Commercial & Industrial customers.

He is going into his 4th year in the Chamber Ambassador & Emissary Program. This will be his first year as an Emissary. He previously held positions as Ambassador and then Ambassador lead in 2023.

Stephen and his wife Rachel live in Gurley, AL with their daughter Avery and two dogs.

Susie Brock began her Marketing career in Madison MS in 1996 when she answered an ad in the newspaper, asking for Part Time workers that had a good phone voice. Since that day in 1996 she has created produced and implement award winning campaigns for Godwin Group Advertising Agency and Sourelink. She relocated to Huntsville AL with her family in 2010.

With a career spanning over two decades, Susie has been a stalwart in the ever-evolving field of marketing. From the early days of traditional advertising to the digital revolution, she not only witnessed the shift but has been at the forefront, navigating and driving change. This quality has not only defined her career but has become a guiding principle in her life, inspiring others to approach change as an opportunity for growth. Her expertise in branding, strategic planning, production, and consumer engagement has cited her ability to inspire teams and navigate the complexities of the industry with finesse.

In her current role as an Account Executive at Rocket City Broadcasting, Susie continues to shape the marketing landscape, leveraging her wealth of experience to drive success for both clients and her team. Whether she’s spearheading an event, a radio ad or a digital campaign, Susie remains dedicated to making a difference both in her professional career and her personal growth.

Additionally, Susie loves living in Huntsville. This is evident in her deep involvement in the community and the enjoyment she derives from her surroundings. When she is not working you can find her on the tennis courts indulging in her love for the sport. Her active participation in tennis highlights her competitive nature to always striving to be better and her commitment to maintaining a happy, healthy, balanced lifestyle.

John Buckley is a Senior Business Development Analyst at JRC Integrated Systems since 2020. As a Senior Business Development Analyst, his primary efforts are focused on identifying bid opportunities by engaging with other potential industry partners and DoD and Federal agencies to generate new business and sales by leading the team in the pursuit of various opportunities. In addition, John leads capture campaigns, black hat reviews, attending trade shows to increase visibility of the organization, customer visits, strategy development, color team reviews, complex bid responses, and negotiate with industry partners and customers.

John Buckley completed his Bachelor of Accountancy in Accounting from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 1991 and completed studies for the Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. His graduate work focused on Acquisition and Contracting. John retired from the Navy in 2020 and served 30 years as a Supply Corps Officer supporting submarines and amphibious assault ships.

In addition, he represents JRC as a Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador since 2021 and was chosen to serve as a Chamber Emissary for the 2024 calendar year. The Ambassador and Emissary Programs allow Chamber members to become more engaged with the community. Chamber Ambassadors are individuals who help represent and promote the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, as well as promote their own business to other companies. Chamber Emissaries are chosen individuals who act as messengers to advocate the Chamber to current members.

Furthermore, John has been chosen to serve as a Catalyst Center Board member for the 2024 calendar year. The Catalyst is open to any business-minded individual, we provide resources to foster success for entrepreneurs and small businesses aspiring to get started, achieve growth, or take their ideas to the next level. We aim to provide best-in-class coaching, in-demand services, and relevant program events to enable success for anyone having an entrepreneurial spirit or wanting to embrace a small business journey.

He enjoys pickleball, hiking, kayaking, and supporting local live music.

As a Madison County native, Abby Lee Casey knows the power of the Rocket City. Huntsville, once a hidden gem on the Tennessee River, has transformed into a technology and U.S. military defense hub. While serving as an Emissary and ChamberON Volunteer for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, Abby Lee has had a front row seat to many of these changes.

Through her service with the Chamber, Abby Lee gets the privilege of connecting North Alabama businesses with each other. She’s seen firsthand how strong relationships fuel growth for these organizations and the Tennessee Valley.

Abby Lee has over a decade of sales experience and currently is the Director of Sponsorship Sales at the Von Braun Center (VBC). In this role, she secures partnerships for the VBC owned events and offers onsite advertising opportunities for businesses looking to grow their local reach.

She graduated in the top 5% of her class at the University of Alabama with a degree in Commerce and Business Administration (and is a passionate Crimson Tide fan). Abby Lee and her husband, Craig, reside in Fayetteville, TN with their children, Bailey and Brady, and their dog, Bentley James.

Ron is President/Owner of CIMSgts, a dynamic organization that provides document management, automated forms processing, workflow, and custom database applications solutions. He is a seasoned expert on technology innovation that improves workplace efficiency. Ron helps companies find opportunities to evaluate internal and external workflow business practices, and then launches new solutions designed to seize these opportunities to increase workplace efficiencies. Improving the workplace by making it more efficient creates a workplace that everyone loves, and performance is maximized.

Ron’s educational background includes a Bachelors of Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and a Masters in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Ron has over 30 years of technical experience in helping organizations evaluate and implement the process improvements required that truly propel companies in their pursuit of excellence in the fast paced and changing business world.

Since Maria Cayse moved into her home in Huntsville in 1976, she has been an immensely proud resident and goodwill ambassador of Madison County. In September 1981, as a junior at Grissom High School, Maria began her career in fine jewelry which led to a lifelong career in fine jewelry store management and buying. Maria continued her education while working and holds degrees and certifications in Accounting, Interior Design, Jewelry Appraising and Diamontology. Her career in Retail spanned 39 years and Maria Cayse worked as a multi-store manager, inventory manager and buyer for several multi-million-dollar fine jewelry stores and major department stores.

In 2020 Maria Cayse left retail and started her own company Clarity Consulting helping small business owners with all aspects of business ownership and assisting jewelry stores online with inventory management and buying. Maria is a concierge jeweler for a curated clientele and assists customers in purchasing timeless fine jewelry gifts.

Maria is passionate about staying involved in the vibrant community that is Huntsville/Madison. Maria Cayse represents The Rose’ Society, Inc. a group of women raising money for deserving women and children non- profits in North Alabama. Maria Cayse has served as Secretary, Vice President, President (2023-2024) and now as Past President/Mentor on the Executive Board. Maria is now proudly serving in her first year as an Emissary while representing The Rose’ Society Inc. Maria has been an Ambassador for the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber for almost 20 years.

Maria Cayse is a member of Asbury Church Madison where she sings in the Chancel Choir, manages the choir music library, and serves as a small group leader in a Women’s Bible Study. Maria is a Master Gardener of North Alabama and serves as the Historian for the group. She participates in design and relandscaping of local Historical properties. In 2023 Maria completed a redesign and planting of the Mark C Smith Memorial Garden at Burritt on the Mountain Mansion and in 2025 will be collaborating with a small team on designing a learning garden at the Weeden House in Twickenham.

Maria Cayse was involved as a lead/performer in the local theatre community and has served on the board of Lyrique Music Productions and most recently on the E-board as the Secretary and as the Development Committee Director for Theatre Huntsville. She is a member of Focus Class of twenty-five with Leadership Greater Huntsville and served as a Rotarian and achieved a Paul Harris Fellowship. Maria also served as the Vice President of BNI Chapter Madison. Maria is eager to continue to use her diverse and decades long business and firsthand experiences combined with her insatiable desire to learn and expand her knowledge to promote and support this wonderful community we are so proud to live in and serve.

Dana Harper is a Huntsville native and holds a BS degree in Computer Science from Alabama A&M University. Her marketing career began unexpectedly in 1994 when she was laid off from her job as an Integration and Test Engineer. Everything changed when Dana walked into a permanent placement staffing company. The recruiter asked her to keep an open mind about a role she thought Dana would excel in at The Huntsville Times. Dana kept an open mind and interviewed for and eventually accepted the Account Executive position in the advertising department. Since that day, she’s been helping businesses grow by creating and implementing multi-strategy campaigns.

With over 30 years of experience in the marketing field, Dana understands the evolving changes with marketing principles and practices. She is dedicated to helping businesses navigate the constant changes in the marketplace. This dedication has defined her career and is a life principle she lives by.

Dana is committed to using her expertise in branding, planning, and implementing customized strategies to help businesses grow. In her current role as Account Executive at Spectrum Reach, she uses her knowledge to drive successful campaigns for her clients.

Dana loves Huntsville Alabama and being involved in the community. She enjoys seeing the success of local businesses. When she is not at work, she enjoys working with Order of Eastern Stars, singing in the church choir, exercising, and being a sports mom for her son’s teams.

I was born and raised in Montgomery, AL.  I graduated from UAB in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology.  After I graduated, I worked in a hospital in Montgomery for 2 years.  After leaving the hospital I helped with Undergraduate research at Auburn University of Montgomery while working as an assistant manager at a deli.  

In 2010 I started working at Lifesouth Community Blood Centers, working my way up to a Donor Services Manager at the Birmingham location.  I worked for 8 years at Lifesouth before taking the job with Lambert Moving Systems in 2018.  

I moved from Birmingham to Madison in June 2018.  I spent the first year learning the moving business. I then began getting into the networking scene, starting with joining BNI (Business Networking International) and IFMA (International Facility Management Association) in December 2019.  In 2023 I became an Ambassador for the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce and for the Madison Chamber of Commerce.  I was the lead ambassador for the Madison Chamber of Commerce in 2024. I was also invited to join the Night for Enable Committee and have been on the committee for 2 years and will be on the committee for the 2026 year as well.

 After 2 years as an ambassador with the Huntsville Chamber, I was invited to become an emissary for the 2026 year.  

As an experienced, professional business executive and master networker/relationship builder, Dave Knowles is honored and excited to serve as an Ambassador for the Madison Chamber of Commerce. Originally trained as an educator and having spent three decades serving in college/university food services, since 2002 he has provided sales and marketing expertise to two highly visible local companies – as the Director of Sales at the high-quality, niche publications Who’s Who in Huntsville and Who’s Who in Huntsville Technology magazines and as the Sales and Marketing Director at the nationally/regionally recognized LEAN Frog Business Solutions, Inc. He is now pleased to be the Community Liaison for Rosenblum Realty.

Since 1957, Rosenblum Realty has offered realtor services in residential sales and leasing, property management, and commercial sales in the Huntsville Metroplex area. A family-owned, fourth generation, award-winning business, Rosenblum Realty is known for its professionalism, integrity and community engagement.

Dave is also actively involved as the Coordinator of the “Kitchen Ministry” based at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

Donna lives to connect others to their dreams, whether it be the success of business growth, the development of a new facility, or a sojourn into soul work.  She strives to be a creative, devoted community leader, utilizing experience in small business ownership, commercial real estate sales, commercial real estate leasing, and development of industrial facilities and land.  Donna also has expertise in non-profit leadership, business development, marketing, and fundraising.

• Business Owner in the commercial real estate industry, with expertise in Tenant Representation, Property Acquisition, Owner Representation, Property Development, Real Estate Investments, and significant marketing, strategic planning, and business development skills.
  
• Non-profit CEO of CASA of Northeast Arkansas, doubling its capacity as it became the second largest  organization of its kind in the state of Arkansas, The organization was recognized as a finalist for High Impact Non-profit of 2016 from Arkansas Nonprofit Alliance.
  
• Non-profit interim CEO of BizTech, a technology business incubator in Huntsville, Alabama. Successfully lead the effort to receive significant City of Huntsville operations funding for the first time.
  
• Experienced community board member, city-appointed and non-profit based, to include City of Huntsville  planning commission; technology incubator; regional library board; Past member of the Chamber of Commerce Huntsville/Madison County Executive Committee; Past CEO of Committee of 100 – Huntsville, Alabama’s organization formed to stimulate economic development efforts in the community and support qualified business-oriented candidates for elected offices; and Past President of Women’s Economic Development Council of Huntsville, AL.

Specialties: Marketing, fund development, public relations, grant writing, sales, fundraising, negotiation, leadership strategies, strategic planning, tactical planning, project implementation.

Hobbies and Fun Things: Tennis, Hiking, Reading, Writing, Art, and study of contemplative spiritual practices.

Family: Husband Don Bowyer, daughters April White, Kristy Rossi and Cassie Shannon; four  grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Jennifer Middleton is a seasoned hospitality sales leader with 30 years of experience in hospitality sales specializing in government and corporate account sales, revenue management, and event planning. A Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP®), Government Meeting Specialist (GMS), and Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP), she has a proven track record of exceeding revenue goals, building strong client relationships, and leading successful sales and marketing initiatives across multiple hotel brands. Jennifer’s career spans leadership roles with Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Sonesta, and independent properties, where she has consistently driven growth and elevated customer satisfaction. An active and influential figure in the Huntsville business community, she has held leadership positions in numerous professional and civic organizations, earning recognition for her advocacy, sales excellence, and community service.

Jennifer has been married to Chris Middleton for 26 years and share two beautiful children, Hannah (married Tristan Hamer October 2025) and Raegan a freshman at Lee High Theatre Magnet. and their precious three-legged rescue doodle named Cori.

Kristin Milam is an experienced real estate professional, specializing in commercial real estate, business expansion, and investment opportunities in the Huntsville market. Her primary focus is helping commercial businesses successfully establish and grow their presence in Huntsville while also working closely with investors to acquire, develop, and manage residential investment portfolios throughout North Alabama.

Kristin’s extensive background in property management has been a critical foundation for her success in real estate. She spent over 15 years managing large multi-family portfolios, overseeing assets across Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. Prior to relocating to Huntsville, she managed a substantial portfolio of multi-family communities throughout the state of Florida. An opportunity to manage another large portfolio in Alabama and Mississippi brought her to Huntsville—where she immediately fell in love with the city and has proudly called it home ever since. This hands-on operational experience allows Kristin to provide investors and business owners with a practical, numbers-driven perspective that goes beyond transactions and focuses on long-term value.

Kristin has been actively involved with the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce for over 10 years, beginning her service as an Ambassador and now serving as an Emissary. In this role, she is deeply connected with both small and large businesses across Huntsville, giving her a strong pulse on economic development, growth corridors, and emerging opportunities in the market.

She also serves on the Board of Directors for NALCOM (North Alabama Commercial Association) and is the organization’s Marketing Chair, further reinforcing her commitment to advancing commercial real estate and business development in North Alabama. Additionally, Kristin previously served on the Board of Directors for the Apartment Association of North Alabama as well as the Alabama Apartment Association Board of Directors at the state level.

As an award-winning property manager, Kristin has been recognized with honors including Property Manager of the Year, Community Volunteer of the Year, multiple Beautification Awards, and company awards for exemplary service and community involvement.

Outside of work, Kristin enjoys spending time with her horses and is a passionate animal lover. Her long-term dream is to one day own a rescue ranch dedicated to saving animals in need of loving homes. She also has a deep appreciation for art & photography and enjoys finding beauty in everyday moments.

Whether working with commercial clients, investors, or businesses new to the Huntsville area, Kristin is known for her genuine, honest approach and her commitment to building lasting relationships rooted in trust, integrity, and results.

Stephanie Nielsen began her career in sales in 2015 as a Mortgage Loan Originator in California, where she developed her passion for helping people make sound financial and business decisions. After several years in the mortgage industry, Stephanie and her family spent two years in Utah before finding their forever home in Huntsville, Alabama; a community they’ve proudly put down roots in and grown to love.

In early 2022, Stephanie transitioned into the insurance industry and quickly became a trusted Commercial Insurance Agent and Producer, working with business owners across North Alabama. She serves a wide range of clients—from roofers and florists to manufacturers and document-shredding companies—helping them protect what matters most through tailored insurance solutions and personalized service.

Relationship-building is at the heart of everything Stephanie does. After attending her first Chamber event, she immediately felt the warmth and genuine camaraderie within the Huntsville–Madison business community and joined the Chamber in January 2022. Now, as a Chamber Emissary, she looks forward to helping other business owners experience the same sense of connection and belonging that first drew her in. Ribbon cuttings and monthly Ambassador luncheons are among her favorite events, where she enjoys celebrating local success stories and welcoming new members with her contagious enthusiasm.

Guided by her faith, integrity, and a heart for service, Stephanie strives to be a light wherever she goes. She believes in being authentic, putting others first, and finding joy in helping people feel seen and supported.

Outside of work, Stephanie is a fun-spirited adventurer who loves spending time outdoors with her husband and their two sweet boys. Whether camping, mountain biking, or spending time on the water on her paddleboard or the family boat she embraces life with energy, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the community she calls home.

A 1983 graduate of Daniel Webster College in Nashua, NH with a BS in Business Management Jeff brings his years of experience in the Information Technology industry along with his Networking expertise in business. Jeff started JEDORI PC Services, Inc. in 2001 bringing IT Services to Huntsville and, envisioning a need for more resources, purchased a Computer Troubleshooters Franchise in 2004. Since then, Jeff has grown his business through the Chamber of Commerce and Networking and, in the meantime, earned the “2018 Franchisee of the Year”. He continues to grow his business through adding Cyber Security and much more.

A volunteer with the Chamber since 2002, Jeff has used his experience to not only grow his business but, also, assist others through mentoring and training to grow their business.

Stephen Patti is a Mortgage Loan Originator with Supreme Lending, offering a well-rounded professional background and a disciplined, client-centered approach to residential lending. He has been active in the mortgage industry since 2018, guiding borrowers through the financing process with professionalism, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Prior to his career in mortgage lending, Stephen was a restaurateur and small business owner from 2010 to 2016, after spending 15 years in the direct marketing industry. These experiences strengthened his leadership skills, business acumen, and commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Stephen relocated from Shelton, Connecticut to Meridianville, Alabama in 2017 with his wife and three daughters. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he maintains an interest in college basketball, outdoor work, and music.

Jordan is the Sales Manager at Tech Assurance, a print management company serving businesses with tailored solutions to streamline their printing needs. With over five years of experience at Tech Assurance, Jordan brings a deep understanding of client service, strategic sales, and long-term relationship building.

Outside of work, Jordan enjoys staying active in the community—both professionally and personally. He plays in a local adult soccer league and enjoys downtime with his wife, Sarah, and their mini schnauzer, Pepper. Jordan is proud to be part of the local business network and values the connections and collaboration fostered through the Chamber of Commerce.

Suzanne Riney is the Owner of Taste Temptations Catering, a Huntsville-based catering company founded in June 2024 with experienced chef David Riney. The company specializes in high-quality cuisine with visually appealing presentations for events throughout Huntsville and Madison County.

After retiring from a 40-year engineering career in May 2024, Suzanne transitioned into entrepreneurship, applying her strategic planning and organizational expertise to business operations, client relations, and event execution. She is an Emissary Member of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, a Charter Member of the Women’s Economic Development Council, and a Board Member of Enable Madison County, supporting leadership, advocacy, and community impact.

Through Taste Temptations Catering and her community involvement, Suzanne is committed to fostering strong relationships, supporting local organizations, and contributing to the continued growth and vibrancy of the Huntsville and Madison County business communities.

Stewart Schuerr has worked in the office equipment industry for over 20 years. Since 2015, he has served as the Division President for the J.T. Ray Company. Before moving into the office solutions industry, Stewart worked as a software programmer with interactive projects for public and private sector customers, including projects with Honda, Nasa and Mercedes.

With his background in software development, the transition into the office automation world was a perfect fit. Over the years, the industry has evolved from simple copy, fax and print capabilities to software as a service (SAS) offerings. The JT Ray Company serves the North Alabama and North Mississippi areas.

He has been involved as a Chamber representative in the North Alabama area since 2015 and has been an Ambassador since 2016. He currently serves on the Board of Governors for Valley Hill County Club. In his private time Stewart enjoys playing golf, spending time with his wife, two Grandchildren and family.

Todd Zelenka is the driving force behind Interweave Technologies‘ growth as the Vice-President. With a passion for building meaningful relationships and a track record of success, Todd is the go-to expert when it comes to unlocking untapped potential.

Todd’s diverse background spans management, sales, and even the medical field, where he served as a skilled assistant, X-ray, and Lab tech. This unique blend of experiences has shaped his holistic approach to business, allowing him to see challenges from different angles and provide innovative solutions.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Todd is a man of many talents. When he’s not strategizing for Interweave, you might find him strumming his guitar or rocking out on the drums. As a true movie buff, Todd’s love for cinema dates back to his teenage years in Germany, where he curated an extensive VCR movie library. With hundreds of films at his fingertips, he developed a keen eye for storytelling and a knack for captivating audiences.

Todd’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: ‘Do unto others.’ He firmly believes in exceeding customer expectations by delivering genuine solutions that address their unique needs. For Todd, true success lies in the ability to take care of customers by going above and beyond.