Staff & Board of Directors

The People Behind the Chamber

Leadership • Service • Community

Working for the Lake Norman Business Community

Our team works alongside businesses, community leaders and organizations throughout the Lake Norman region to build relationships, create opportunities and strengthen our business community.

Visit our offices at 19900 West Catawba Avenue in Cornelius or call us at (704) 892-1922.

Meet Our Team

Dedicated professionals committed to serving our members and strengthening the Lake Norman region.

William E. Russell, CCE, IOM

President & CEO

Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce

Phone: 704.892.1922 ext. 2200
Email:
russell@lakenormanchamber.org

Bill Russell serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of Winthrop University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Bill brings decades of leadership, Chamber and community service experience to the organization.

Bill has served numerous civic and community organizations throughout the region and is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management. He also holds the prestigious Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation.

Leslie Reid

Executive Vice President

Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce

Phone: 704.892.1922 ext. 2202
Email:
leslie@lakenormanchamber.org

Leslie Reid serves as Executive Vice President of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, where she plays a key leadership role in member engagement, business development, event coordination and community outreach throughout the Lake Norman region.

Known for her passion for relationship-building and exceptional member service, Leslie works closely with Chamber investors, business leaders, community partners and volunteers to strengthen the region's business community and create meaningful connections.

Brett Hicks

Executive Vice President, Information Systems & Development

Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce

Phone: 704.892.1922 ext. 2201
Email:
hicks@lakenormanchamber.org

Brett Hicks serves as Executive Vice President of Information Systems & Development for the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, overseeing membership growth, investor relations, technology systems, digital communications, website management, event promotion and business development initiatives.

A graduate of Appalachian State University, Brett brings more than 30 years of professional experience spanning commercial real estate, county planning and zoning, economic development, business development, technology systems and community relations.

A native resident of the Lake Norman area, Brett is deeply committed to the community he serves. When not working with Chamber members, he enjoys spending time with his wife Brittani and daughter Gracyn, exploring the outdoors, scuba diving, traveling, cooking and pursuing his interest in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Holly Zienka

Finance Director, Bookkeeper

Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce

Holly oversees the Chamber's financial operations, including membership receivables and payables. She brings more than 15 years of experience in both public and corporate accounting and has focused on nonprofit accounting in recent years.

Holly attended Central Connecticut State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.

Board of Directors

Business and community leaders helping guide the mission of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce.

2026 Board Leadership