Sarah Messer Steps Up As President of the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce

Effective March 1st, Sarah Messer will take on the role of President at the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, succeeding Gary Laird. Sarah joined the chamber in 2021, initially serving as the Membership & Events Coordinator. Sarah was then promoted to Director of Operations in 2022 and subsequently assumed the position of Vice President last year.

Prior to joining the Hanover Chamber, Sarah was Director of Events for the University Advancement Division at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. While there she designed and coordinated more than 120 events annually and served as a member of the Capital Campaign Planning Committee. In 2019 when she accepted the position of Field Marketing & Events Coordinator at Tröegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, PA. In that role she was vital in orchestrating a number of successful marketing campaigns and developing several key brand partnerships.

An important aspect of Sarah's journey with the Chamber has been her instrumental role in crafting the organization's Comprehensive Strategic Plan. Completed in mid-2023, the plan outlines six key initiatives to guide the Chamber’s work through 2025. Sarah has also been a driving force behind the Chamber’s efforts to address the ongoing labor challenges our business community faces. She has worked side by side with President Gary Laird to bring together key stakeholders, host informational workforce seminars, enhance local apprenticeship programs, and develop a Youth Leadership Hanover program. Looking ahead, Sarah has set her sights on maintaining the Chamber's 5-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a prestigious recognition that underscores excellence in supporting members and the community.

In addition to her work at the Chamber, Sarah also serves on the Board of Directors for the Adams County Economic Development Corporation and supports the mission of YWCA Hanover as a Walk-A-Mile In Her Shoes committee member.

We are excited to welcome Sarah to this new position and eagerly anticipate the success and impact she will have on the Chamber and Greater Hanover community. Join us in congratulating Sarah Messer on this well-deserved appointment!