Cindy Banks new Chamber of Commerce president

Winchester native Cindy Banks has been chosen as the president of the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce, replacing interim president Todd Denham.
“I love Winchester. I’m finally back here. I graduated college and was gone for 11 years. ... It’s got a lot to offer,” Banks said.
For the past two years, Banks has worked as a substitute teacher at George Rogers Clark High School. Her background also includes work in hospital administration, organ and tissue donation, and assisted living administration. Banks is a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky, where she received a master’s degree in public health.
“I hope to get the Chamber back out in the public eye so businesses can benefit. That’s the whole purpose of the Chamber,” Banks said.
After working in a hospital setting for several years, working with doctors and counseling families about organ and tissue donation, Banks said she has learned the importance of building personal relationships. Those skills will serve her well when working with business owners and local Chamber members, Banks said.
“I’ve had to deal with a lot of people, and I’ve had to work on establishing good rapport, and making them comfortable,” Banks said.
Her husband, Todd Wilson, also a Winchester native, is the principal of Montgomery County High School. They have two children, Asher, 4, and Palmer, 9.
“I’m very, very excited to have Cindy on board with the Chamber. She is a hometown girl who really cares about her community,” said Susan Bishop, chairman of the Chamber board of directors. “She has a strong desire to see her community do well and be a successful community.”
Although the new president does not officially start work until Thursday, Bishop said Banks already has been volunteering her services to the Chamber, trying to see how she can best help local businesses.
“She started working the day we made the offer,” Bishop said. “When Cindy walks into a room, she doesn’t meet a stranger. She makes herself approachable to all types of people.”
Banks said she is looking forward to working with Denham, who will continue his role as executive director of the Winchester-Clark County Industrial Authority, and Nancy Turner, executive director of the Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commission.
“It’s the perfect trio,” Banks said. “We need to work together to accomplish our goals.”
Denham was named interim director after Chamber president Karen Haley resigned in August 2010.
“He is the face of industry. He’s exactly who we need to be working with,” Banks said of Denham.
As Chamber president, Banks said her main goal is to help businesses work together, and show business owners what Winchester has to offer.
“I’m here — I want to make (Winchester) as attractive to businesses as I can,” Banks said.

Contact Rachel Parsons at rparsons@winchestersun.com.