When Susan Williams walked into the Chamber office in August 2004 as Executive Assistant, she had only a limited understanding of what a chamber of commerce truly did. What she did have was curiosity, commitment, and a heart for community.
Under the mentorship of then–Executive Director Ron Shoup, Susan quickly developed a deep understanding of the Chamber’s role in strengthening local business and serving the broader community. Through introductions to state and national chamber leaders and participation in conferences, she built relationships that would shape her vision for growth and innovation at the local level.
Susan was promoted to Assistant Executive Director in 2006 and named Executive Director in January 2007, a role later retitled as President/CEO.
In those early years, the Chamber operated with just two full-time staff members, supported by a summer intern. With a dedicated board and a small but mighty team, Susan began expanding the Chamber’s programming and broadening its impact.
The launch of FLEX, the young professionals initiative, marked an important step forward. Be Here Venango followed as a natural evolution—adding another full-time staff member and sharpening the focus on showcasing the very best of the region. The initiative emphasized attracting and retaining talent while inviting others to see Venango County as a place to build both career and life.
In 2018, Leadership Venango was launched, inspired in part by Susan’s own experience in a leadership program early in her career. Venango READY soon followed, further expanding the Chamber’s reach by supporting career readiness efforts for students and educators and highlighting opportunities available right here at home.
Over 21 years, Susan witnessed change, growth, and transition—including two office relocations. While parting with long-held files and memorabilia was challenging, she ensured that the Chamber’s history remains carefully preserved.
There’s a certain symmetry, she notes, in concluding her Chamber career at 100 Seneca Street—the same building where she began her professional journey with Mellon Bank in 1980.
Her family experienced the journey right alongside her. Her late husband, Craig Williams, and her three children affectionately nicknamed her “MrsChamber”—a title that still lives on through a few social media handles. Even as evenings and weekends filled with events, meetings, calls, and emails, their support never wavered.
As she steps into retirement, Susan does so with confidence. She leaves knowing the team she has built is not only capable but energized to lead the Chamber into its next chapter of regional business success.
And what’s next for “MrsChamber”?
“I’ve always said I don’t want to spend my life running away from things, but running toward them—and for now, that’s toward two little boys (her grandchildren)! I look forward to catching up with friends and family and doing a bit of travel. But I always like coming home best—and this is home.”
Susan’s retirement will be effective March 31, 2026, which will also mark her final day serving the Chamber. Vice President Kat Thompson will assume the role of President & CEO on April 1.
Congratulations to Susan on an incredible career and a legacy of leadership, vision, and integrity!
This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s March 2026 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.