TIFTON – Melody Cowart is the new president of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce. 

“I am thrilled, honored and very excited to be joining the chamber team with big shoes to fill,” Cowart said. “I love people and our town and I am excited to plan and be a part of our local events and watching Tifton continue to grow.”

Cowart, a native of the Fitzgerald/Ocilla area, has worked in Tifton for more than 20 years and has been involved in the community by serving of various boards and committees, chamber representatives said in a statement.

She attended Irwin County High School and Ben Hill Irwin Technical College, and while she lived in Adel for the past 24 years, she recently relocated to Tifton. 

‘Cowart brings a strong hospitality, business and marketing background to her new role, having most recently served as the area director for sales for the Williams Hotel Group for 11 years and worked at The Tifton Gazette as an area sales executive and promotions manager for nine years,” chamber representatives said. 

“I am honored to have worked with both of these companies for so many years,” she said. “They have given me so many opportunities and knowledge to move me into my role as chamber president and I greatly appreciate both of my past employers and so many in our community that have helped me throughout my career.”

Cowart has also been involved in the chamber as a member, past board member and ambassador. She serves on the Tifton-Tift County Tourism Board and is treasurer for the Southwest Georgia Tourism Association.

“She is committed to remaining actively involved in many different organizations and events throughout the community,” chamber representatives said.

Dereck Sumner, chamber board chairman, headed up the president search committee.

“I have known Melody through her involvement in our community and chamber and have witnessed first-hand that she has a passion for this type of service and dedication for a better Tifton and Tift County,” Sumner said. “I am confident with her history and service with the chamber, her local connections with the business community and her work ethic, that she will be a great fit and a tremendous asset to our organization.”

“Melody will no doubt be an asset to the chamber as well as our community by taking on her new role,” said Jared Ross, upcoming board chair, who also participated in the interview process to fill the position. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from a successful career in the hospitality industry. Melody has also been an integral part of the chamber for several years which, in conjunction with her background, make her a perfect fit for this role. She comes with many fresh ideas and new approaches which I look forward to seeing her implement and know that the chamber as well as our community will benefit greatly.”