Editor’s Note: This is the second installment of three The Herald will publish featuring lead award winners from the 2016 Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Awards Banquet. On Wednesday, we will feature Audrey Sullivan, the 2016 Citizen of the Year.

The Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce has named Kerry Mossler, marketing director at Centra Southside Community Hospital, as its 2016 Member of the Year.

Chamber Executive Director Joy Stump made the presentation at its Dec. 30 New Year’s Eve Eve Party.

“When looking for our Member of the Year, our committee looked at the criteria of the person who championed the chamber both in their actions and with their words,” Stump said. “What makes a great member, the Farmville Area Chamber’s first sentence of our mission states ‘that we exist to improve the quality of life of those living and doing business in our community, working in partnership with its members.’ We could not think of anyone more perfect for this award than Kerry Mossler.”

Stump said Mossler is a “remarkable chamber member” despite her busy schedule.

“She finds the time to contribute. She sits on our board of directors and even served as a past board chair. Kerry attends meetings, brings guests, works on committees, serves as an ambassador, visits chamber members and also helps recruit new members,” Stump said.

She said Mossler, as Centra’s marketing director, tries to spend the hospital’s money with chamber member businesses and encourages non-member businesses to join.

“You will see that, time and time again, the types of events that Kerry promotes at Centra, whether it is the coats and blankets drive, helping the United Way, having students write get-well cards to patients, collecting books for the Virginia Children’s Book Festival, partnering with the Lions Club and the (Longwood Center for the Visual Arts) — just one look at the Centra Facebook (page) and it goes on and on — her work with Centra is absolutely improving the quality of life for so many people in our community everyday,” Stump said.

The last thing Stump said before presenting Mossler with her award was how Mossler mentored her during her first year with the chamber and when she was brand-new to Farmville.

“She introduced me to so many people, she brought me places, she answered about 1,000 questions and patiently and compassionately showered me with kindness and support,” she said. “For all these reasons, the Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is extremely pleased to award Kerry Mossler with the 2016 Member of the Year Award.”

Mossler accepted her award to cheers and applause — and one shout-out of “We love you, Kerry!”

After the event, Mossler said was very flattered and surprised to get the award.

“When they told me about it, I thought it was for Centra. Maybe I just can’t separate myself from my job,” she said. “And it was really sweet what (Stump) said.”

When asked how she balances her job at Centra with her work for the chamber, Mossler said she doesn’t see it as work.

“It’s not work if you love it. I love Farmville, and I love the chamber. The hospital is just a great connection for all of us in promoting business and downtown. There’s a lot of opportunity for growth. When you have a strong chamber, it’s easier to recruit doctors and staff. It makes my job a lot easier.”

The 2016 chamber highlights for Mossler include the Dec. 10 Holiday Tour of Homes.

“We had a great turnout,” she said. “It was a great fundraiser, not just for the chamber but for Habitat for Humanity. I got to see houses that were just amazing. It was a really fun day. I thought it would be successful, but I didn’t know it would be so much fun. I literally cannot wait for next year.”

Another highlight for her is that the chamber is “on a roll.”

“People are joining and rejoining — there’s real momentum. It’s a great time to be in Farmville,” Mossler said.