The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama announced two changes to its professional staff Thursday.

Dianne Pickren was appointed as Executive Assistant to the President and CEO on August 2. She provides administrative support to President and CEO of the Chamber Jim Page and coordinates all functions for the Chamber's board of directors, executive committee, foundation and political action committee.

She takes the place of Alicia Gregory, who was named the Director of Membership Engagement for the Chamber in June. Additionally, she will assist with all aspects of facility operations at the newly established West Alabama Workforce and Community Development Center which opened in May.

Get our free mobile app

Pickren comes from The University of Alabama with over 30 years of experience in office management. She previously served as Executive Administrative Assistant at Randall-Reilly for more than eight years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Education and Office Administration Orientation from Mississippi State University.

Alex House was named the Director of Communications and Marketing for the Chamber, replacing Amy Materson who accepted another local career opportunity last month. House   is coming off of over four years working with the City of Tuscaloosa's award-winning communications department.

With the Chamber, House will be responsible for all communications activities including media relations, social media management, and will serve as the editor for the Chamber's printed publications. She will also coordinate all print, digital and media marketing efforts including strategic promotion of events, programs, campaigns and initiatives.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Information Sciences from The University of Alabama and holds  multiple professional communication certifications. House will assume Materson's role on September 1.

“We are extremely proud to add such highly-qualified and talented individuals to our professional staff,” said Jim Page, President and CEO of the Chamber. “Dianne brings a wealth of office management experience and will be an invaluable partner to our entire volunteer leadership team. Likewise, Alex’s immense skillset will take all of our communications and marketing efforts to the next level.”

Top Stories From the Tuscaloosa Thread (8/09-8-13)

More From Tuscaloosa Thread