January 10, 2012 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - Ann Motes, Special Events Assistant at the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, has been named Director of Special Events for the Chamber.

Ms. Motes, who has been with the Chamber since 2009, will be responsible for directing the staff activities for the National Shrimp Festival and other Chamber events, and will work with the Shrimp Festival Committee leadership and volunteers in planning and executing this important signature event for the Chamber.

She will also be responsible for staffing other Chamber events, including the Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, the Shrimp Festival Restaurant Challenge (formerly known as the Shrimp Festival Chef’s Challenge), and others.

“We are so excited that after an rigorous search that resulted in some extremely highly qualified applicants, Ann emerged as the candidate with the most direct and recent hands-on staffing experience not only with the festival, but with other Chamber events,” said Chamber President Ed Rodriguez in making the announcement. “Ann has developed terrific relationships with our volunteers, vendors, and leadership and she has the technical and people skills we need to help ensure the future of what is one of the world’s greatest festivals.”

An Alabama native, Ms. Motes also has experience in the fields of medicine, early childhood education, and the mortgage industry. She will assume her new position on Monday, January 16.