Skip to content
Public Policy

Public Policy Committee

The Charlottesville Chamber Public Policy Committee (PPC) serves as a legislative and regulatory think tank that provides crucial business perspective on matters directly impacting the region. Through collaborative advocacy and focus on key policy areas, the committee informs the Chamber's policy positions and works to strengthen the business community and quality of life across Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

Meeting Information

Regular meetings are held 12:00pm -1:30pm every even month at the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and every odd month on Zoom. Regular meetings are open to Chamber members only.

Committee Guidelines & Member Responsibilities

The PPC operates under Board-approved focus areas and clear governance principles to ensure effective, credible advocacy. Committee members are expected to:

  • Advise within the Board-Approved Framework: Provide input and recommendations aligned with the Chamber's endorsed policy focus areas
  • Respect Governance & Decision-Making Processes: Understand that official positions are developed collaboratively through established governance procedures
  • Collaborate with Partners: Work with local and regional organizations to advance shared priorities with a unified voice
  • Engage Thoughtfully and Constructively: Bring diverse, solutions-oriented perspectives that reflect the Chamber's mission
  • Serve as Informed Ambassadors: Communicate Chamber positions accurately and responsibly

Read the full letter from CEO Andrea Copeland detailing the complete committee guidelines and governance framework.

Connect with the Public Policy Committee through the Chamber's newsletter. For real-time bill tracking in the Virginia General Assembly, follow the Virginia Chamber of Commerce "Bills We're Watching" resource with the password: bills2026.

Public Policy Focus Areas

The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce advocates for a thriving regional economy through balanced, strategic decision-making. Under advisement from the Public Policy Committee, our Board of Directors has endorsed five key focus areas that guide our advocacy efforts.

These focus areas represent where the Chamber is best positioned to create meaningful impact. We collaborate with regional chambers and business advocates to speak with a unified voice on both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities that strengthen our business community.

All advocacy efforts are viewed through an equity lens to ensure we support policies that benefit the entire business community and create opportunities for all.

Learn More About PPC's Advocacy Priorities.

Economic Vitality

Education & Workforce Training

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Infrastructure

Housing

Annual PPC Events

SOTCmain

State of the Community

The annual State of the Community brings together leaders from industry, hospitality, nonprofit, and government sectors. This signature event features presentations from regional thought leaders on demographic trends, economic vitality, and community challenges. It fosters collaboration and forward-thinking solutions across Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

The State of the Community is held during the first quarter of each year. To view the recap and gallery of the 2026 State of the Community, click here.

Public Policy Leadership Team

Chair

Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle

Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle, Executive Director

Center for Nonprofit Excellence

mdoyle@thecne.org

Vice Chair

Neil Williamson

Neil Williamson, President & Executive Director

The Free Enterprise Forum

neil@freeenterpriseforum.org

Staff Liaison

Andrea Copeland

Andrea Copeland, President & CEO

Charlottesville Chamber

Executive Committee

Chris Engel, City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development

Coles Jennings, The Community Climate Collaborative

Courtney Cacatian, Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau

David Newsome, Tapestry LLC

Diantha McKeel, Albemarle County

Emily Kilroy, Albemarle County Economic Development

Grant Tate, BBTx Consulting

Jane Colony Mills, Loves & Fishes

Dr. Jean Runyon, Piedmont Virginia Community College

Jennifer Siciliano, UVA Health

John Spilman, LUMOS

Juandiego Wade, City of Charlottesville

Kelly Dye, First Citizens Bank

Mike Murphy, Jaunt, INC.

Ned Gallaway, Albemarle County

Olivia Branch, Keswick Hall

Pamela Sirota, UVA Health

Rebecca Haydock, Venture Central

Sally Duncan, Albemarle County

Affinity groups are led by volunteer leadership committees and a Chamber liaison. To serve in a leadership capacity, you must be a current Chamber member in good standing.