Naming of new Columbus Chamber of Commerce CEO marks historical moment for organization
The Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce announced its new president and CEO on Thursday and he’s already making history.
On Sept. 1, Jerald Mitchell will become the first African-American president and CEO of the organization.
“That is extremely humbling. I wasn’t aware of that until recently,” Mitchell said. “I look forward to the discourse and the dialogue about how we move forward together.”
Mitchell currently serves as vice president of economic development for the Atlanta Beltline Inc. According to his resume, he’s helped build the economic development department within the organization and established a funding relationship with the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
After residing in the Atlanta area for many years, Mitchell said he noticed how the city had grown to embrace a unique identity. He is hopeful that leadership here will continue to shape and mold Columbus’ identity in a similar way.
“I want that to be one of the things that I can help this community do. I want to do whatever I can to help foster that and drive that,” Mitchell said.
The search for the new president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce began in September of last year, according to a Chamber press release. The committee was comprised of nine community leaders, including Betsy Covington, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley; David Rumph, senior vice president for TSYS/Global Payments; and Billy Blanchard, chair of the search committee and director of JBA Capital.
“From the beginning, Jerald stood out as the leader we needed at the Chamber,” Blanchard said in the release. “We know it will be a good partnership for all.”
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson was also in attendance at the announcement and expressed his excitement for Mitchell to assume the role. Henderson said both he and City Manager Isaiah Hugley were pleased after meeting Mitchell and getting to know him during the interview process.
“I said, ‘That’s the guy. That’s the guy that completes the puzzle,’” Henderson said to a crowd of about 100 people.
Mitchell has a few projects to complete back in Atlanta before he, his wife and their dog make their way to Columbus, but says he is incredibly excited to make his way to the Chattahoochee Valley and get started.
“I look forward to transitioning into the community over the several weeks and months. I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity,” Mitchell said.