CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Andrea Copeland is the new CEO of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, and now she is selected an honoree for the Virginia Business Magazine’s 2025 Women in Leadership Award.

A Charlottesville Chamber release notes, “this prestigious recognition celebrates top women executives for their overall professional accomplishments, civic engagement, mentorship, and for breaking glass ceilings”.

Copeland recently told WINA Morning News one of the top priorities chamber members have expressed is the organization engage in more advocacy, which in one era a few years ago they did a lot.

“And then the pendulum swung to ‘ah… chamber, you out there?'”

Copeland continued, “So we’re trying to find that happy medium because whatever position you take you have a group of people who are going to be happy, a group that are going to be unhappy, and another group that just doesn’t care.”

The Chamber says her leadership journey has included key positions such as Director of Leadership Charlottesville, Director of Member Education Services, Chief Operating Officer, and most recently Interim CEO. Throughout her tenure, she has expanded member engagement, strengthened partnerships, and guided the organization through periods of growth and transition.

“Being honored alongside so many trailblazing C-Suite women across Virginia is truly humbling, and I share this recognition with every woman who has helped me along the way,” said Copeland. “I hope it inspires women to keep leading, influencing, breaking barriers, and giving back—no matter where they are in their career journey.”