06/18/2026
Abilene Chamber President & CEO Doug Peters Receives Prestigious Marvin Hurley Award
ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that President & CEO Doug Peters has been named the recipient of the Marvin Hurley Award, the highest individual honor presented by the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE).
Peters received the award on June 17 during TCCE’s annual conference, where chamber professionals from across the state gathered to celebrate excellence in community leadership and economic development.
Named in honor of one of the most respected leaders in the Chamber profession, the Marvin Hurley Award recognizes a chamber executive whose career exemplifies exceptional leadership, service, integrity, and lasting impact on both their community and the Chamber industry. Recipients are selected by their peers and represent the very best of the profession.
For Peters, the recognition caps a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in Chamber leadership. Over the course of 40 years, he has served communities in four states, helping businesses grow, advancing economic development initiatives, and strengthening the quality of life for residents through collaborative leadership and community engagement.
“Doug has dedicated his life’s work to helping communities succeed,” said Brad Benham, Chair of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. “Whether serving a Chamber in Texas or elsewhere in the country, his focus has always been the same: bringing people together to solve problems, create opportunities, and build stronger communities. This award is a fitting recognition of a remarkable career and the countless lives he has impacted along the way.”
Since joining the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Peters has helped position the region for transformational growth by championing initiatives focused on community development, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and regional collaboration. Under his leadership, the Chamber and its affiliated organizations have expanded their role in shaping the future of Abilene and the Big Country while supporting the businesses and industries that drive the local economy.
Beyond his local impact, Peters has earned widespread respect throughout Texas and the Chamber profession as a mentor, collaborator, and advocate for the role Chambers play in creating vibrant communities. His leadership and willingness to share knowledge have helped guide chamber professionals across the state and throughout his career.
“This recognition is deeply humbling,” said Peters. “I have been fortunate to spend more than 40 years doing work that I truly love alongside incredible volunteers, board members, business leaders, elected officials, military leaders, and fellow Chamber professionals. Any success I’ve had is a reflection of the people and communities I’ve had the privilege to serve. I am grateful to TCCE for this honor and to everyone who has been part of this journey.”
The Abilene Chamber of Commerce joins the community in congratulating Peters on this well-deserved recognition and thanking him for his continued leadership, vision, and service to Abilene and the Chamber profession.
