Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor’s Bureau CEO Leah Poole was recently named to Georgia Trend’s 2018 40 under 40 list. Poole, 37, is responsible for 500 chamber members, as well as managing and bring local tourism to the county, according to the bio.
Poole has been CEO of the LCCC and CVB for eight years in Jan. 2019. She served as interim for several months during the search process, she said. The chamber’s executive board nominated Poole for the recognition, and Poole is grateful for the honor.
“Making the top 40 under 40 for Georgia Trend is a great honor and one I do not take lightly,” Poole said. “Getting to this point in my career has been a consistent work in progress and there are so many in our community, and others elsewhere, that I have borrowed wisdom from that I cannot begin to name and thank.”
Poole said that she was the kid that always got in trouble for staying up late and reading under the covers. The reading, writing and language have always been an integral part of her, she said.
“I worked for the Courier for a number of years in advertising sales and decided that was not for me long-term,” Poole said. “Working for the United Way after as the Area Director, and now with the chamber and CVB, has given me the chance to learn more than I probably ever would have, as well as be influenced and associated with some of the best and brightest in our county, state and nation.”
In her role as CEO, Poole has had the opportunity to experience and accomplish many things, and looking back, she said she’s most proud of her team.
“I’ve been able to do some really impactful and cool stuff while in my current role,” Poole added. “I am most proud of the great team of people I get to work with every day. What six people are able to accomplish for the betterment of our county is no small feat, and they make me proud to come to work every day!”
For those still working to reach their dreams, Poole said, the best advice she can give is to pick up a phone and call people.
“Stop texting and emailing people and expecting results,” she said. “I learned that you have to listen more than you talk. Everyone wants to be heard. So talk to people, but listen as well, and you’ll get much further.”