Chamber Insider Blog

Press Release: Chamber Honors Loudoun’s Top Community Leaders 

Community Leadership Award honorees announced at Loudoun Chamber’s 58th Annual Meeting & Community Leadership Awards Luncheon 

Lansdowne, Virginia – The Loudoun Chamber announced its 2026 Community Leadership Awards honorees on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Chamber’s 58th Annual Meeting at The National Conference Center in Lansdowne. 

Now in its 13th year, the Loudoun Community Leadership Awards honor businesses and community leaders who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and generosity to serve the needs of those who live, work, and serve in Loudoun County.  

“Loudoun is blessed with so many leaders who give generously of their time, energy, and resources to make this our nation’s finest community to grow a business, pursue your passion and raise a family. The Chamber is proud to honor these outstanding leaders, and to thank them for the generosity, commitment and sacrifice they have given to strengthen our community,” said President & CEO Tony Howard. 

The finalists for these awards were chosen in six categories, covering Large and Small Business, Nonprofit Executive, Executive Leader, Inclusive Leader, and Young Professional Leader. These finalists are chosen by blue ribbon panels of Loudoun’s top business and nonprofit leaders. 

The 2026 Community Leadership Award winners in each category will have the opportunity to select one nonprofit organization to receive a $1,000 grant, thanks to the generosity of the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. 

Photos by Alex Mangione Photography

Executive Leader Award category:  

  • Steve Blackwell, ACE Handyman Services NoVa West 
  • Dr. Aaron Spence, Loudoun County Public Schools – WINNER 
  • Chris Suarez, Lost Barrel Brewing 
  • Wade Tetsuka, U.S. Transactions Corporation 

 

Nonprofit Executive category: 

  • Debbi Alexander, SPARC 
  • Beatriz McNelly, Loudoun Literacy Council 
  • Susannah Lee, Tree of Life Ministries – WINNER 
  • Carol Smith, Crossroads Jobs 

 

Inclusive Leader category: 

  • Marquel Forbes, Marquel Yvette Photography LLC 
  • Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, National Association of Investment Companies – WINNER 
  • Rachel Payne, Didlake 

 

Young Professionals category: 

  • Catie Dugan Vargas, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation 
  • Ashley Koranteng, Virginia Vitesse Semi-Professional Women’s Basketball Team 
  • Jake Mages, Guernsey – WINNER 
  • Cammie Terry, Authentic Connections Counseling LLC 

 

Large Business (100 employees or more) category:   

  • Equinix 
  • Northwest Federal Credit Union 
  • Prologis  
  • QTS Data Centers – WINNER 

 

Small Business (less than 100 employees) category:  

  • ACE Handyman Services NoVa West  
  • Local SEO – WINNER 
  • Lost Barrel Brewing  
  • TMMG Promos 

To view all sponsors, and learn more about the event, visit www.LoudounChamber.org.