After nearly 30 years at the helm of the Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Constance Rhodes has announced plans to step down Jan. 15.

The announcement was made to the Chamber’s executive committee and then to the board of directors on Aug. 27.

“It is an understatement that the Chamber will miss Connie” Chairman of the Board Lori Leib said. “She has made such a positive impact on the communities here in Isle of Wight for so many years. Her legacy will be the leadership skills that she has passed along to her staff and past and present board of directors.

“We will move forward with the same enthusiasm and forward thinking that this Chamber is known for,” Leib added. “I know that I speak for the entire Chamber board and the business community when I say we wish Connie the very best in this next chapter of her life.”

Rhodes said, “It has been my pleasure to serve this leading business organization; I am proud of the accomplishments of the Chamber and know the community is poised for a bright future.”

The Chamber has been the voice of business for Isle of Wight since the late 1980s. In her role as president, Rhodes has served on numerous boards and executive committees both inside and outside Isle of Wight County.

In 2009, she received the Chamber Executive of the Year award from the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. She also served as board member and president of VACCE and as president served on the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.