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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sinikka Mondini for MCCC 630-885-8604/sinikka@jrcommunications.com Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Leadership, Service, and Community Impact at 2026 Annual Dinner Chamber Announces 2026–2027 Board of Directors and Recognizes Leaders Making a Difference Across Montgomery County Rockville, MD (June 11, 2026) - The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) welcomed business, government, nonprofit, and community leaders to its 2026 Annual Dinner, the Chamber's signature annual gathering that serves as both a celebration of leadership and the organization's annual business meeting. Each year, the Annual Dinner provides an opportunity to announce and install the incoming Board of Directors, recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership has made a meaningful difference in Montgomery County over the past year, and reflect on the Chamber's accomplishments and impact on behalf of its members. During the evening, Chamber leaders reviewed the organization's progress this year by presenting MCCC's Annual Report, highlighting a year of growth, advocacy, and collaboration across Montgomery County's business community. The report showcased achievements including double-digit membership growth, impactful policy advocacy, expanded workforce initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships that brought together business, nonprofit, education, and government leaders to address some of the County's most pressing challenges. "The Annual Dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations that strengthen our community every day, while also reaffirming our commitment to advancing Montgomery County's business community in the year ahead," said Angela Franco, President and CEO, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Mahan Tavakoli, CEO and Managing Partner of Strategic Leadership Partners, who offered insights on navigating change, embracing innovation, and leading with purpose during times of transformation—reinforcing the Chamber's commitment to preparing leaders and organizations for future success. The program also recognized the Chamber's volunteer leadership through the ceremonial passing of the gavel from outgoing Board Chair Dr. Anne Khademian of The Universities at Shady Grove to incoming Board Chair William Wiechmann of Kaiser Permanente. In addition, MCCC inducted its 2026–2027 Board of Directors, whose leadership and service will help guide the Chamber's work in the coming year. 2026 Annual Award Recipients Held under the theme "United We Grow," the Annual Dinner awards celebrated organizations and individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen the County’s economy, workforce, and quality of life. Corporate Partner of the Year - Pepco, an Exelon Company Recognized for its longstanding partnership with MCCC, commitment to reliable energy service, community engagement, workforce development, and investments that support economic growth throughout the region. Business Legacy of the Year - The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Honored for more than a century of excellence in construction, transformative projects across Maryland and the nation, and a deep commitment to community service and philanthropy. Business Advocate of the Year - Andy Chod, Co-President, Minkoff Development Recognized for his leadership in advancing Montgomery County's economic competitiveness, workforce development initiatives, and advocacy efforts that support a strong business climate. Legislator of the Year - Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe Honored for her dedication to economic development, workforce advancement, transportation, and her unwavering support of Montgomery County's business community. Chairwoman's Award - Tiffany Lukis, Director of STEM and Community Engagement, AstraZeneca Recognized for her exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to advancing education, workforce development, and community engagement throughout the region. Annual Dinner sponsors included: ? Pepco (Presenting Sponsor) ? Kaiser Permanente (Award) ? M&T Bank (Award) ? Montgomery College (Award) ? The Universities at Shady Grove (Award) ? CareFirst (Board Recognition) ? AstraZeneca (General Recognition) ? Young Artists of America (Entertainment Sponsor) ? CohnReznick (Welcome Toast) ? Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (Welcome Toast) ? Greenberg Traurig (Bar Sponsor) ? Verizon (Dessert Bar) ? Contemporaries, Inc. (Platinum) ? Information Systems Solutions (Platinum) ? Marriott International (Platinum) ? River Falls (Platinum) ? Total Wine & More (Platinum) ? Whiting-Turner (Platinum) For more information about the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.mcccmd.com. About Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC), on behalf of its members, champions the growth of business opportunities, strategic infrastructure investments, and a strong workforce to position Metro Maryland as a premier regional, national, and global business location. Established in 1959, MCCC is an independent, non-profit membership organization. For more information, visit https://www.mcccmd.com or follow the Chamber at https://www.facebook.com/MCCCMD. ###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Sinikka Mondini for MCCC 630-885-8604/sinikka@jrcommunications.com Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Leadership, Service, and
Community Impact at 2026 Annual Dinner
Chamber Announces 2026–2027 Board of Directors and Recognizes Leaders Making a Difference Across Montgomery County
Rockville, MD (June 11, 2026) - The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) welcomed business, government, nonprofit, and community leaders to its 2026 Annual Dinner, the Chamber's signature annual gathering that serves as both a celebration of leadership and the organization's annual business meeting.
Each year, the Annual Dinner provides an opportunity to announce and install the incoming Board of Directors, recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership has made a meaningful difference in Montgomery County over the past year, and reflect on the Chamber's accomplishments and impact on behalf of its members.
During the evening, Chamber leaders reviewed the organization's progress this year by presenting MCCC's Annual Report, highlighting a year of growth, advocacy, and collaboration across Montgomery County's business community. The report showcased achievements including double-digit membership growth, impactful policy advocacy, expanded workforce initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships that brought together business, nonprofit, education, and government leaders to address some of the County's most pressing challenges.
"The Annual Dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations that strengthen our community every day, while also reaffirming our commitment to advancing Montgomery County's business community in the year ahead," said Angela Franco, President and CEO, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.
Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Mahan Tavakoli, CEO and Managing Partner of Strategic Leadership Partners, who offered insights on navigating change, embracing innovation, and leading with purpose during times of transformation—reinforcing the Chamber's commitment to preparing leaders and organizations for future success.
The program also recognized the Chamber's volunteer leadership through the ceremonial passing of the gavel from outgoing Board Chair Dr. Anne Khademian of The Universities at Shady Grove to incoming Board Chair William Wiechmann of Kaiser Permanente. In addition, MCCC inducted its 2026–2027 Board of Directors, whose leadership and service will help guide the Chamber's work in the coming year.
2026 Annual Award Recipients
Held under the theme "United We Grow," the Annual Dinner awards celebrated organizations and individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen the County’s economy, workforce, and quality of life.
Corporate Partner of the Year - Pepco, an Exelon Company Recognized for its longstanding partnership with MCCC, commitment to reliable energy service, community engagement, workforce development, and investments that support economic growth throughout the region.
Business Legacy of the Year - The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Honored for more than a century of excellence in construction, transformative projects across Maryland and the nation, and a deep commitment to community service and philanthropy.
Business Advocate of the Year - Andy Chod, Co-President, Minkoff Development Recognized for his leadership in advancing Montgomery County's economic competitiveness, workforce development initiatives, and advocacy efforts that support a strong business climate.
Legislator of the Year - Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe Honored for her dedication to economic development, workforce advancement, transportation, and her unwavering support of Montgomery County's business community.
Chairwoman's Award - Tiffany Lukis, Director of STEM and Community Engagement, AstraZeneca Recognized for her exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to advancing education, workforce development, and community engagement throughout the region.
Annual Dinner sponsors included: ? Pepco (Presenting Sponsor) ? Kaiser Permanente (Award) ? M&T Bank (Award) ? Montgomery College (Award) ? The Universities at Shady Grove (Award) ? CareFirst (Board Recognition) ? AstraZeneca (General Recognition) ? Young Artists of America (Entertainment Sponsor) ? CohnReznick (Welcome Toast) ? Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (Welcome Toast) ? Greenberg Traurig (Bar Sponsor) ? Verizon (Dessert Bar) ? Contemporaries, Inc. (Platinum) ? Information Systems Solutions (Platinum) ? Marriott International (Platinum) ? River Falls (Platinum) ? Total Wine & More (Platinum) ? Whiting-Turner (Platinum)
For more information about the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.mcccmd.com.
About Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC), on behalf of its members, champions the growth of business opportunities, strategic infrastructure investments, and a strong workforce to position Metro Maryland as a premier regional, national, and global business location. Established in 1959, MCCC is an independent, non-profit membership organization. For more information, visit https://www.mcccmd.com or follow the Chamber at https://www.facebook.com/MCCCMD.
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