The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce honored North Fulton professionals and volunteers during its 41st annual Chairmans Gala, held April 26 at The St. Regis Atlanta and sponsored by Northside Hospital. GNFCC President/CEO Brandon Beach welcomed special guests, including Governor Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and other community and business leaders. Those recognized by GNFCC for outstanding service were:

Harry Rucker Junior Volunteer of the Year: Carol Anderson-Wood, treasurer, Alpharetta Business Association Named for one of the original founders of GNFCC, this award recognizes a GNFCC member who has volunteered their time, resources and expertise to strengthen the Chamber.

Ambassador of the Year: Diane Rhea, business development, Chambrel Roswell.

Zachary Henderson Award: Ron Wallace, retired president, UPS International; Deputy Chief of Police, City of Alpharetta; and founder, The Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub, Milton This award recognizes those who realize that having a successful business involves giving back to the community. As the founding father of the North Fulton Chamber, Henderson was an advocate for the business community.

Pioneer Award: Katie Reeves, Fulton County Board of Education District 2.

Board Member of the Year: Roger Lusby, Partner, Frazier & Deeter, LLC.

GNFCC Board Chair/Director Freda Hardage, director, Northside Hospital Alpharetta Medical Campus and Foundation Services, also was honored at the event. I am privileged to serve our Chamber members and our community. I especially want to thank our immediate past chairman of the board, Brad Beisbier of First Citizens Bank, for his vision and leadership as he guided the GNFCCs 2013 board of directors.