A Leader of Never-Ending Enthusiasm

Stephanie Edwards is leading the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce into a dynamic future.

The characters of Cashiers and Highlands have been created and evolved over the decades with the influence of individuals who were devoted to community service. In recent years, both areas have seen unprecedented growth which inevitably will change our character of place in some way.

Through the enlightened efforts of many, including our two chambers of commerce, this evolution is being addressed on the Plateau with proactive measures to ensure our heritage and quality of life are protected.

At the helm of the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce is Stephanie Edwards, a tireless champion, dedicated to a lasting legacy for her community. She has a long relationship with Western North Carolina, from escaping the Florida summer heat with her grandparents to bringing her own family to the mountains as a favorite vacation spot.

With a successful career in national public and government affairs and travel and tourism, and local relationships enjoyed as a part-time resident, she was recruited 10 years ago to revitalize the organization. Her impressive professional experience and willingness to embrace a lifestyle change were Cashiers’ good fortune. The Chamber has grown to more than 500 members and provides extraordinary leadership in business advocacy, economic development and growth management, and responsible tourism.

She’s appreciated among her colleagues for being a resourceful thought-leader and effective executive who values inclusivity and partnerships. Dr. Pat Morse of Western North Carolina sums up Stephanie’s impact, saying that “Stephanie has been a true blessing to the Cashiers community, Plateau and to the entire Western Region of North Carolina. Not only has she taken the Cashiers Chamber of Commerce to a whole new level, but she has also been a voice to area businesses and to the many hard-working people who serve and support our community. Her volunteer service on numerous boards and her development of leadership development opportunities for the people of the plateau make her an enthusiastic beacon of light that shines on all of us.”

Edwards’ abiding approach to life and work is all about building relationships and exploring how they can create positive synergy. Who would have thought that after working with former Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood on hosting FIFA World Cup and other Central Florida growth issues, the two would be working together again to bring the Urban Land Institute to Cashiers in 2022?

Of her friend Stephanie, Mayor Hood said, “My friendship and work with Stephanie Edwards goes back many years. She is an exceptional leader with the ability to connect people, thoughtfully work to explore the right solutions to community challenges and include all the voices necessary to make decisions that ensure Cashiers is the best place to live, work and visit. With her business experience, talent and commitment, plus never-ending enthusiasm, Stephanie is the right person at the right time to lead our Chamber and community into the future. She is, without a doubt, a woman of great influence.”

Edwards’ significant volunteer involvement includes the Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation Board of Directors. As the founding chair of its Program Grants Committee, she worked to establish a generous and fair funding model to supply more than $5 million for area nonprofit health and wellbeing missions.

Government relations with elected and appointed officials and outreach to members and other stakeholders consume Edwards’ calendar. She was instrumental in the creation of the Leadership Cashiers program to develop civic activism through knowledge and networking and, most recently, the Cashiers Community Collaborative to coordinate and implement growth management priorities.

Her core philosophy is to address community issues with thorough research, identifying beneficial best practices from across the nation to introduce to the Plateau. “Throughout my life, I’ve subscribed to the adage, ‘Why not?’ if it’s meaningful and I don’t take ‘no’ for an answer unless there’s a good reason!” she said.

And, of course, Stephanie’s most valued relationships are the most meaningful of her life. She and her husband, Bill, and their three sons share much love and laughter here in the mountains and in Jacksonville, Florida, and across the US. “I have this very special opportunity to give my time and talents to my community only because of my family’s unwavering support and encouragement,” she said.

by Mary Jane McCall