About Ellie Braxton, Best Practices for Chambers of Commerce...and Other Non-Profits
Ellie Braxton’s Chamber of Commerce journey began far from home. Although raised in the Carolinas, she launched her Chamber career in Modesto, California,1995, where she focused on membership retention — successfully reducing attrition from 27% to just 15% in two years. She later transitioned into the Director of Special Events, gaining a well-rounded foundation in Chamber event and sponsorship development.
In 2001, Ellie moved to Dallas, Texas, and joined the Richardson, TX Chamber of Commerce and Technology Business Council as Director of Membership Marketing. Then she moved on to and serve as Vice President of Marketing for the largest Chamber membership development firm in the U.S., working with Chambers nationwide from 2006 - 2016. She continued consulting though her own firm until 2018, when she was honored to accept the role of President & CEO of the small but determined Coppell Chamber of Commerce located in the heart of the DFW Metroplex.
There, Ellie worked closely with the Board of Directors to pivot the organization from a Chamber of Events to a true Chamber of Commerce. What was once an event-heavy calendar evolved — even through the challenges of COVID — into a mission-driven organization that focuses on advocacy, leadership development, and business representation.
That Chamber launched a Government Affairs Task Force with influence reaching from city hall to Austin and built a Leadership Program that equips future leaders of both business and community. They also developed a Job Shadow Program, connecting high school students with local business leaders to explore career paths and strengthen ties between education and industry. In 2022, Coppell became a 3-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Under her leadership, the Chamber also launched Discover Coppell, the city's official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). This initiative was created to attract tourists, day-trippers, and travelers to the community — encouraging them to dine in local restaurants, shop in Coppell stores, enjoy entertainment venues, and stay in local hotels. Discover Coppell became a key driver in promoting the city’s economic vitality and brand identity.
Today, the Chamber that they transformed stands as a respected business association — one that advocates for all businesses, large and small, and plays a meaningful role in shaping the future of its community.
Ellie affectionately calls them the "Little Chamber that Could...and Did!" Proof that any Chamber that wants to be relevant, wants to grow, wants to truly serve the interest of the business community, can.