Who We Are

Melissa Gauntt is a lifelong resident of East Alabama. She graduated from Central High School and went on to Auburn University where she majored in Computer Science. After spending several years working for Auburn University in System Development, she made her leap into the corporate world at ITC Holding Company. There she was part of the founding team that launched Knology and a key part of the company that helped bring the internet industry to life. Over a 20-year career, she held several leadership roles, eventually overseeing all operations across 17 divisions across the Southeast and Midwest. After a short-lived "retirement" following the merger with WOW! Internet, she launched a Management Consulting Business and later joined BEAM, before making a complete career pivot — one that brought her heart and purpose full circle. She now serves as the President and CEO of the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce, where she found her true passion: She loves giving back to the community she loves. Her work now is a reflection of her heart for service- instilled by her mother, LaFaye, the first mayor of Smiths Station. Her belief is when you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work.