Chamber Director
Valerie Smirlock
Born and raised in West Virginia, Valerie and her family lived in Maryland and Florida before making Perquimans County their permanent home in 2020. She served for 15 years as a Program Coordinator and Education Specialist for the Maryland State Department of Education, followed by five years as Communications Manager for the University of Delaware. After relocating to Florida, Valerie continued her commitment to community service as Executive Director of a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families.
Valerie is passionate about cooking, gardening, and entertaining, and enjoys spending time with her husband Ron, their four children, two grandchildren, and their large extended family. Since moving to the area, she has embraced the intercoastal waters, rich history, and welcoming spirit that define Perquimans County.
“I love living in Perquimans County,” Valerie shared. “The natural beauty, the history, and especially the friendliness of the people are all reasons we chose to make this our home. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the county and am excited to join the Chamber of Commerce as Director.”
In her new role, Valerie will focus on strengthening connections among local businesses, expanding member services, and supporting initiatives that promote economic growth and community engagement throughout the county.
The Perquimans County Chamber of Commerce welcomes Valerie and looks forward to the leadership, energy, and experience she brings to the organization.