Professional Staff
Elizabeth Cromwell, President & CEO
With more than 30 years of experience in marketing, corporate sponsorship, public relations, investor relations and public/private partnerships, Elizabeth Cromwell has held positions in the private and public sectors. She also worked in e-commerce at a small start-up through its IPO. Prior to leading the Chamber in Charlottesville, she led the Frederick (MD) County Chamber of Commerce.
Andrea Copeland-Whitsett, Committee Engagement Director
Andrea Copeland-Whitsett's career in Chamber world started in 2006 as a volunteer with the Chamber Ambassador Corps. Having served in this capacity for six years and working closely with the Chamber staff and its members, she was hired as the Director of Member Education Services in January 2012, directing the Chamber's signature program, Leadership Charlottesville.
COL (Ret) Lettie J. Bien, Defense Affairs Committee Program Coordinator
A retired Army Reserve officer, an attorney and community activist, Colonel Bien has extensive experience working economic development issues in the domestic and international private and public sectors. Her military background is in intelligence and special operations and she is a combat veteran with tours in Iraq and throughout Latin America. She has served as president of a chamber of commerce, worked for two Fortune 500 companies and has practiced law with a large firm as well as her own law firm. She is a fierce advocate for Veterans and their benefits and has recently been working with the University of Virginia to strengthen its programs for undergraduate student veterans.
Ann Marie Hohenberger, Marketing & Communications
Ann Marie Hohenberger is a writer, entrepreneur, and perpetual volunteer. When she’s not organizing neighborhood meetings or attempting to grow vegetables, she’s probably wrangling twin daughters or escaping to the library for a quiet moment. She graduated from the University of Virginia, and her subsequent professional exploits have been called “interesting and substantial, but not the ideal fit.”
annmarie.hohenberger@cvillechamber.com
Sharon Engle, Accounting/Financial Services
Sharon Engle is a self-employed bookkeeper who works with several Charlottesville businesses. She’s been in business for herself for 17 years. She enjoys gardening, cruising, and volunteering with various local organizations. She has been with the Chamber for two years.