Ashley Alford Glance

Growing up in Putnam County, Ashley Alford Glance, president of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, recalls being surrounded by the love of her family. That close-knit community is what molded her into the leader she is today.

“I cherished the moments spent with my loved ones, which has since shaped my deep appreciation for family bonds,” she says. “I have the utmost respect for them due to the sacrifices they made to ensure I had every opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.”

Alford Glance credits her mother as someone who has been extremely influential in her life.

“Her compassionate nature and relentless dedication to helping others serve as a constant reminder of the impact one person can have,” she says. “She embodies the qualities I aspire to cultivate within myself.”

Even though her father passed away in 2014, Alford Glance recalls the fundamental lessons he imparted during her childhood.

“He taught me how to be a leader, to exemplify compassionate treatment of others and above all, to recognize that the most popular choice isn’t necessarily the right one,” she says.

For the past 13 years, Alford Glance has been dedicated to the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, and there is a specific person to whom she gives credit for starting her career path.

“Mary Jo Hendricks, a cherished family friend who held a prominent role on the chamber of commerce board of directors, played a pivotal role in steering me in this direction. Following my college graduation, Mary Jo encouraged me to apply for an internship with the Putnam chamber, an opportunity that unknowingly set the course for my current 13-year tenure with the organization,” she says.

Over the years, Alford Glance has learned that teamwork is the key to success.

“When you align yourself with individuals committed to a shared objective, the results surpass what can be achieved individually. Our community thrives thanks to an exceptional group of collaborative partners who contin­ually strive to enhance this area,” she says.

Alford Glance has been devoted to giving back to her community in both her professional and personal life. When determining which causes to support, she likes to give back to organizations that influence her community directly.

“Because of the nature of my job, it is of utmost importance to remain connected to the needs of the community,” she says.

For these reasons, Alford Glance has given her time and talents in many capacities to different organizations, such as serving as a member of the board of directors for Advantage Valley, Dress for Success River Cities and the Putnam Farmer’s Market; volunteer for Backpack Buddies; club member and president nominee for the Putnam County Rotary Club; board member for the Hurricane Development Authority; and organization president for the West Virginia Association of Chamber Executives.

“Giving back to the community is important. Even in regions where you might not perceive apparent needs, they still exist,” she says.

Alford Glance couldn’t imagine living or working anywhere besides the Mountain State.

“The opportunity for my husband and I to raise our son in a community that has given me so much is a unique experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere,” she says.