Amy Sherman

President and chief executive officer, West Chamber Serving Jefferson County

• First job: communications coordinator

Sherman's passion for chamber of commerce work began while she was in high school and working part time at the Castle Rock chamber. Since then she's gained a working knowledge of chambers through commitment and perseverance.

"While I attended the University of Kansas I interned at the Lawrence chamber," Sherman said. "As soon as I graduated, I took the communications coordinator position at the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce. It was a great place to start an adult life."

Although the job didn't pay well, Sherman said she moved up quickly, ending up as vice president of member services after two years.