School of Communication (SCOM) alumna, Amanda Wiggins, was recently selected to represent the Marana Chamber of Commerce on BizTucson Magazine’s 2026 Women Leading the Region! The summer issue honors and highlights prominent female leaders and innovators within Southern Arizona.  

“It means a great deal to me to represent my community, my family and our Chamber members on a platform like Biz Tucson’s 2026 Women Leading the Region. I have followed this annual list for years and have enjoyed learning more about people that I admire. To now be recognized alongside them is an honor,” Wiggins said. 

Prior to Wiggins stepping into the role of CEO of the Marana Chamber of Commerce, she worked with Leadership Tallahassee and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce where she built meaningful connections with the people she worked with. She expressed that learning and working alongside the staff and board of directors showed her what leadership looks like and provided her with a solid foundation to develop and grow her own company.  

“That experience was truly my masterclass in professional and community leadership, and I continue to carry those lessons with me in how I lead, serve and grow the Marana Chamber of Commerce today,” Wiggins said. 

 Wiggins extends far beyond personal growth, shaping her into a confident leader. 

During her time at FSU, she valued being surrounded by people who approached life differently. She said FSU taught her to think differently, elevate her creativity and challenge herself while meeting deadlines.  

“FSU is where I stopped performing for a rubric and started realizing that was the most boring way to achieve success,” Wiggins said. 

After more than a decade, there are still some people at FSU from whom she learned who continue to impact her life. She highlights Drs. Rayburn and Merle, Ebe Randeree and Betsy Couch as the few individuals who have influenced her in different ways. 

“Dr. Merle challenged the status quo and introduced me to ways of thinking that were so different from what I had known, Ebe was the connector and constant, and Betsy represented a standard of leadership, life and professionalism I hoped to achieve myself,” Wiggins said.  

Now, as the President and CEO, she emphasizes that aspiring leaders must stay positive and helpful, noting the importance of surrounding yourself and building relationships with people who will challenge you.  

“I think college is a time when you begin to realize that you have the ability to choose the life you want to live and that its all within your reach. That perspective has stayed with me throughout my life,” Wiggins said.  

Outside of her professional career, Wiggins is a devoted wife, mother of three boys, and part of a loving family with roots in both Florida and Arizona. She is also deeply committed to giving back to her community, whether through her sons’ sports activities or her involvement with organizations such as the American Red Cross, Tucson Airport Authority, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Wiggins believes that meaningful change begins with taking action and encouraging others to get involved in their communities rather than simply hoping for things to improve. 

As she continues this exciting chapter as an honoree of this award, Wiggins reflects with gratitude on the life she has built and looks forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. 

“I am grateful for every day and every person who has been part of my past and present, and I look forward to all that is still ahead.”