Bedford County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Kellie Goodman Shaffer was one of 30 women recently recognized for outstanding leadership during the past year. “She is always thinking positively and looking into the future for new ideas,” said Jim Edwards, president of the Bedford County Fair board. Courtesy photo

Osterburg resident Kellie Goodman Shaffer recently received the 2021 Influential Leadership Award from the Pittsburgh Professional Women.

One of 30 women recognized for outstanding leadership during the past year, PBPW President Beth Caldwell said, “Kellie’s efforts early in the pandemic crisis really inspired me. She delivered over and above expectations by providing frequent and relevant information for the business community throughout the spring and summer. … Kellie stepped up and provided critical information to help local businesses navigate through the yellow phase of reopening. The community has been positively impacted by her efforts.”

Shaffer’s demonstration of strong leadership and dynamic thinking has been valued for the past 11 years, said Jim Edwards, president of the Bedford County Fair board for the past five years.

“She is probably the most dynamic individual I know,” Edwards said of Shaffer, president and CEO of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce and its education-related foundation. “I’ve given her the nickname Midas because everything she touches turns to gold. She is also one of the most energetic people you will find.”

Tina Molski, president of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce called Shaffer “fantastic … I have served on the board for almost as long as Kellie has been the president and CEO of the Bedford County Chamber. She continues to grow as a leader through learning and self-development, which translates into a better and more effective Chamber of Commerce.”

Another award will be presented to Shaffer in June when she will receive The Paul I. Detwiler, III Achievement Award from Junior Achievement of Western PA.

JA Executive Director Jennifer Knepper said, “The Paul I. Detwiler III Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose personal accomplishments and leadership are making positive impacts to their community. Kellie truly is making a difference within her community and this recognition is well-deserved.”

Despite the accolades, Shaffer continually credits her staff, board members and local businesses.

“I don’t aspire to win awards. It’s not why I do anything I do,” she said.

Instead she seeks to elevate and improve the area, Molski said, which Shaffer accomplishes by not being satisfied. Instead, she seeks improvement, seeks input from others and makes adjustments — even to annual events that are successful. She spearheaded the chamber’s transition to new technology, which ultimately “created a better experience for our members,” Molski said.

Among the “many dynamic ideas,” Edwards credits to Shaffer is the building of a drive-in movie screen at the fairgrounds and an expansion of the annual holiday lights display that showcased Bedford businesses.

“She is always thinking positively and looking into the future for new ideas,” Edwards said. “She has her act together — very together.”

“I really don’t like getting credit for the drive-in because I absolutely could not have done that by myself,” Shaffer said. “It was my idea to build a temporary screen, so I got the ball rolling, but it was the 22 companies who came together during the pandemic that made that happen. It’s very important to make that distinction — I don’t want to take anything away from the people who actually built the screen.”

A former softball player who started her professional career as a TV sportscaster, Shaffer retains a commitment to team spirit.

“I serve an entity larger than myself,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to collaboration and cooperation. “There is nothing I do that I do alone. We have 630-some businesses and dedicated chamber employees — it’s a team effort,” adding that hers is a paid role while the chamber board and chamber members display leadership as volunteers.

Molski agrees, “to have so many businesses and individuals come together to support this (drive-in) project and make it a reality in record time was astounding. … It was only fitting that we were able to hold our annual awards dinner there in November.”

The chamber held its first annual Prayer Breakfast last month, Molski said, “It was a wonderful event of fellowship in a very social distancing kind of way. Kellie and her team found a way to bring people together in a safe and much needed way to start off 2021.”

Another successful innovation is The Vibe. “These short videos that come out on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays share important information, highlight local businesses and include some fun!”

Edwards said, “The Chamber and the county are so lucky to have her. And, especially the fairgrounds. She doesn’t like to have any notoriety, but we are so thankful to have her as a working partner.”

The Goodman Shaffer file

Name: Kellie Goodman Shaffer

Age: 51

Residence: Osterburg

Family: Husband, Jeff Shaffer

Education: Wyalusing Valley High School; Penn State University ­– broadcast-cable communications; U.S. Chamber Foundation Institute for Organizational Management Certification

Employment: President/CEO of Bedford County Chamber of Commerce since 2010; chair, Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals for 2020-21; former broadcast journalist and anchor; former marketing director for regional tourism bureau

Community service: Friends of Shawnee, Bedford Sunrise Rotary, Bedford County Pink Ribbon Fund, Bedford Fall Foliage Festival, DBI, EABBA, Bedford County Farm Bureau,

U.S. Selective Service System, Special Olympics PA

Awards and honors: Pittsburgh Professional Women Influential Leadership Award; Paul I. Detwiler III Achievement Award from Junior Achievement of Western PA; Honorary Chapter Degree from the Bedford County Technical Center FFA; PACP Chamber of the Year; Bedford County Athena Award; YWCA Tribute to Women