SALSIBURY — Nicole Holmes Matangira of Holmes Iron & Metal and Matangira Recycling has been named chairwoman of the board and Gary Blabon of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center is the new chairman-elect for the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce.

“The chamber is honored to have such wonderful business volunteers in our leadership succession,” said Janet Spriggs, the 2018 chairwoman.

Matangira, who will begin her term Jan. 1, will be the first African-American to serve in the position.

Blabon will serve as board chairman in 2020.

Other members of the chamber’s 2019 executive committee include:

• Rita Foil of Rowan-Salisbury Schools, division chairwoman for education and workforce development.

• Starling Johnson of Johnson Concrete, division chairman for membership.

• Terry Osborne of the Rowan County ABC Board, division chairman for business advocacy.

• Pete Teague of Livingstone College, past chairman.

• Elaine Spalding, president.

New board members are Amie Morgan Baudoin of Morgan Ridge; Bob Honeycutt of F&M Bank; Ken Ingle of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College; Max Kipfer of Hotwire Communication; Dr. Nicole Sherrill-Corry of NSC Behavioral Concepts; and Shane Valley of Food Lion.

Continuing board members are Mike Beaver of Beaver Brothers Inc.; Alisha Byrd-Clark of Gemstones Academy/Byrd Staffing; Bob Cartner of Chandler Concrete; Kristin Dillard of Team Chevrolet; Dr. Melanie Denton Dombrowski of Salisbury Eyewear and Eyecare; and Bill Johnson of Trinity Oaks.

The chamber’s 93rd annual gala will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 10 at West End Plaza with a “Greatest Show” theme.

The gavel will officially pass from Spriggs to Matangira at the gala, and annual awards will be presented.

The gala is being held in cooperation with the Salisbury-Rowan Tourism Authority and Rowan Economic Development Commission.

For information on becoming a member of the Rowan chamber, contact 704-633-4221, info@rowanchamber.com or www.rowanchamber.com.