The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce has announced Josie Lewis, Director of Sales for Visit The Woodlands, as its 2026 Emerging Leader of the Year. The announcement was made by Chamber staff with a special visit to her office in July, followed by a formal recognition during the 48th Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon at the Kevin Brady Community Center on September 25.
2026 Awards Luncheon | Photos courtesy of Visit The Woodlands
Sales Team for Visit The Woodlands
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
The Chamber hosted its 48th Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon in honor of Legacy Award Recipient Steve Sanders. The event began with a welcome from Aaron Cox, President & CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, followed by an invocation from Julie Ambler, the 2021-2022 Chairman of the Board. Additional speakers included Stuart Barrett, Chairman of the Board; Kristi Leggett, Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon Team Leader 2026; Adam Koch, Vice Chair of Membership Growth & Engagement; and Justin Kendrick, Immediate Past Chairman. Among the honorees, recognition was given to Anniversary Award Members, Diplomat of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Community Citizen of the Year, Emerging Leader of the Year, and the Chairman's Award.
EMERGING LEADER AWARD
The Emerging Leader of the Year Award celebrates a professional who is building a successful career, making innovative contributions within their organization and distinguishing themselves as a rising leader in the community. Recipients demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to making a difference through service and lifelong learning. They seek opportunities to challenge themselves while inspiring others to grow.
HONORING JOSIE LEWIS
Lewis serves as Team Lead for CREW, Connecting Rising Executives in The Woodlands, the Chamber’s young professionals group. During CREW’s inaugural year, she has played a central role in building the program’s momentum, expanding participation and creating meaningful opportunities for young professionals to connect, develop as leaders and become more involved in the business community.
“Josie has given an extraordinary amount of her time, talent and energy to the Chamber over the past year, particularly through her leadership of CREW,” said Aaron Cox, President & CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. “She has helped transform a new initiative into a growing community where young professionals feel welcomed, supported and encouraged to lead. Josie brings people together, turns ideas into action and challenges those around her to become more engaged. Her leadership has created a strong foundation for CREW’s continued growth, and we are proud to recognize the impact she is already making.”
As Director of Sales for Visit The Woodlands, Lewis leads initiatives that help attract conventions, meetings and group business to the community. Her work includes guiding sales strategy, coordinating industry outreach and collaborating with local hospitality professionals to strengthen The Woodlands as a destination.
Lewis holds the Certified Meeting Professional and Certified Tourism Ambassador designations. Her professional achievements also include recognition from the Texas Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and selection for Connect Corporate’s 40 Under 40 program. She remains active in the hospitality and meetings industries through professional organizations and volunteer service.
