• Staff Members

     

  • Valencia Williamson
    President & CEO
    Phone: (678) 610-4021 
    Email:     vwilliamson@claytonchamber.org  

    Valencia Williamson is the President & CEO of Clayton County Chamber of Commerce where she oversees all aspects of the organization. Prior to her current role, Williamson served as Executive Vice President of the Area Development Partnership (ADP) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi where she led the organization’s Chamber of Commerce Division for ten years. Before joining the ADP in 2010, Williamson served as Vice President at Walton Area Chamber of Commerce in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. 

    A graduate of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Williamson has a 20-year career as a Chamber of Commerce professional and she retains an extensive background in organization management, membership development, program implementation, and strategic partnerships. Williamson has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and has completed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management. Williamson serves on the board of directors for The First Bancshares, Inc., The First Bank, and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).

    Williamson is an avid tennis enthusiast, and she spends much of her downtime playing with her two pups Jaxon and Roxy, and hanging out with family & friends who affectionately refer to her as "V."

     

    Dr. Royal Baxter 
    Workforce Development Director
    Email: rbaxter@claytonchamber.org 

    As an accomplished higher education leader with over 15 years of experience in academic administration, student affairs, student engagement, and educational policy, Dr. Royal Baxter’s work is driven by the mission to create opportunities in education for one to not only survive but to thrive.  Dr. Baxter holds a Doctor of Education with a concentration in educational leadership from Georgia Southern University and has a strong track record of implementing strategic initiatives that enhance student success and promote academic excellence. A passionate advocate for education and community engagement, Dr. Baxter actively collaborates with education leaders, community leaders, corporate industry leaders, and the business community to create impactful educational experiences. Dr. Baxter is committed to mentorship and community service, believing in the transformative power of education to change lives.

    Dr. Baxter is a native of Savannah, Georgia and has resided in Clayton County for 20 years. She is a devoted wife and mother and an active member of her daughter’s PTSA serving as the Vice-President of the chapter. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she serves on the Collegiate Transition Committee for the Atlanta Suburban Alumnae Chapter. Dr. Baxter is an avid sports fanatic always rooting for the home teams, especially her beloved Atlanta Falcons!

     

    Olivia Rankin
    Business Development | Member Engagement Specialist 
    Phone: (678) 822-4370 
    Email: olivia@claytonchamber.org 

    Olivia Rankin serves as Business Development Coordinator, and she is responsible for recruiting new Chamber members, promoting Chamber programs, and providing relevant value-added information that helps businesses to leverage the Chamber's many resources. Olivia is an avid enthusiast of all things business, having experience as a solopreneur, and leveraging her acumen to assist other business owners with strategic planning, marketing, and organizational development through her business Renewed Marketing Solutions, LLC. Olivia holds a BA in Marketing from Columbus State University and is on track to complete an MBA in 2024 from Clayton State University where she is a recipient of the School of Business Masters Entrepreneur's Award. Olivia is actively engaged with several nonprofit organizations, helping to fulfill their missions. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Olivia has grown to appreciate the laid-back, tight-knit communities of suburban Atlanta, and rural Georgia. She loves to travel and is always up for a good adventure, whether it's taking a road trip, glamping in an RV, or driving fast cars and motorbikes.

    Interested in a membership? Olivia is your point of contact. Don’t hesitate to contact her directly at olivia@claytonchamber.org or 678-822-4370.