Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce announces new Executive Director

Published 11:02 am Wednesday, May 6, 2020

On Tuesday, May 5, the Board of Directors of the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce announced the selection of a new Executive Director.

Joy McCray will officially step into the role on June 1. A native of Elizabethton, McCray comes to the Chamber position with an exceptional background in marketing, networking, fundraising and events. She has served for many years in the community, working with various non-profits throughout the re­gion.

She has most recently served as the Director of Development for the Frontier Health Foundation, and was instrumental in helping increase the organization’s impact on the community to raise awareness and break down the stigma associated with mental health. She helped spearhead Stigma Stops Now, a fundraiser hosted by Frontier Health Foundation that brought such celebrities as Ashley Judd and Ice T to the region to share their personal stories of dealing with mental health issues. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Appalachian State University.

McCray has also served as the Public Education Coordinator for Tennessee Donor Services, where she helped bring awareness for the importance of organ donation through education and community events. She was part of the team that brought the “Our Bodies, Our Universe” exhibit to the HandsOn! Regional Museum.

“I love this part of our region. The beautiful lakes, rivers and mountains that are the backdrop to our community are a great place to start when we talk about regionalism,” McCray said.

“Come hike our trails, fish our rivers and then stay awhile and enjoy all the highlights our town and county have to offer. Elizabethton and Carter County have been a ‘pass through’ region for too long and it’s time we enhance all the wonderful things our community has to offer as we build tourism, in­dustry, education and commerce. I am excited for the opportunity to be part of my hometown’s future in this role.”

“We are excited to welcome Joy into this role beginning June 1, 2020, to continue to cultivate the members and programs as well as bring innovative change to the Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Mc­Cray has years of experience serving as a member on several community Chambers as well as partic­ipating in many chamber programs, events, leadership and regionalism campaigns. We look forward to her utilizing her energy and expertise to build a strong business advocacy and support for the Eliza­bethton/Carter County community while enhancing our Tourism efforts,” said David LeVeau, President of the Carter County/Elizabethton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Joy into the Executive Director position for the Carter County/Elizabethton Chamber of Commerce! Her enthusiasm, creativity and drive will be such an asset to our community. Joy’s fresh perspectives and past experiences will, without a doubt, offer Carter County the gift of innovation and growth,” said President of Main Street Elizabethton/Chamber Board Member – Frankie Bailey.

McCray lives in Elizabethton with her son, Porter Cash, who attends T.A. Dugger Junior High. Her ex­tended family also resides in Elizabethton. She is an active supporter of many of the community’s non­profits and programs as well as a long-standing member of First United Methodist Church, Johnson City Morning Rotary Club, and former board member of the Elizabethton/Carter County Boys and Girls Club.