The Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation is promoting from within for its next executive director.

Kathy Henderson, who has served as the organization’s director of economic development for nearly a decade. She was serving as interim director after Marianne Rustad left.

Previously Alice Wanaker held that position.

“Kathy’s vision and leadership have been pivotal in driving economic development in Carbon County with our organization the last 9 years,” said Jessica O’Donnell-Gower, executive vice president of Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, in an announcement Tuesday.

“We are confident that Kathy’s promotion to executive director will further our efforts to create thriving communities and support all businesses within Carbon County.”

Henderson said she is truly blessed to be in charge of the organization in partnership with the GLVCC.

“There is an amazing staff in place and I see a bright future for Carbon County,” she said “This promotion brings a whole new set of challenges in running the organization I have come to love in the county I’m very passionate about. Our goal is always to make sure things are done well and for the benefit of the county residents and businesses.”

Wanamaker, the chamber’s previous executive director, joined the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in June as its economic development manager.

Henderson, meanwhile, has been instrumental in supporting businesses, fostering growth and promoting sustainable development practices in the region, chamber officials said in a news release.

“Her skillful management of state-funded Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loans and in-house, low-interest loan programs, along with her chairmanship of the ‘Nature and Commerce Committee’ for CCEDC, have contributed to the county’s economic progress.”

One of the chamber’s top areas of focus, Henderson said, is bringing more business to Carbon County and helping existing ones grow.

“We want to try and get more revitalization projects going in our small towns and bring those back to life,” Henderson said, using the train station project in Lansford as an example.

“That can be a really cool draw along with the former St. Michael’s Church that developers have purchased and are going to turn into an event center. We’ll see what happens with the west plant in Palmerton. I’m not a big fan of warehouses. I think we need to look at something else like offices or a mixed use project.”

Making downtowns more walkable, Henderson added, is another goal the chamber hopes to help achieve.

“That will entice people to live there as well as do business there,” Henderson said. “The downtowns may never be the same as they were before, but they can be so much better than they are.”

Henderson is involved in various boards and associations, including the NEPA Alliance, the Carbon Training Center, and the Wildlands Conservancy.

Her achievements have been recognized with honors such as the Environmental Partnership Award presented by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

“Kathy Henderson’s promotion underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to empowering local businesses and entrepreneurs in Carbon County,” the news release stated. “CCEDC is dedicated to connecting the community to valuable resources and opportunities for growth.”