Little Rock Chamber’s Jay Chesshir named chairman of national chamber exec group

Jay Chesshir, president and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, was elected 2016-17 Chairman of the Board of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) during the organization’s annual convention in Savannah, Georgia on August 9, 2016.

ACCE is a professional development organization serving local, regional and statewide chambers of commerce and similar private sector-led economic development organizations across North America.

“For years, Jay Chesshir has been a leader across this organization,” said Joe Roman, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership and ACCE’s immediate past chair. “From re-imagining member peer groups, to marshaling financial resources to directing the Economic Development Division, Jay’s fingerprints are all over our most important initiatives.” Roman added, “He’ll be a great chairman.”

Chairmen of ACCE serve a one-year term. They oversee activities of a 70-member board of directors and guide the work of the organization’s 26-member staff.

“I’m honored to serve an organization that has meant so much to me throughout my career,” said Chesshir. “It’s a joy for any volunteer leader to take the reins of an organization in such good shape – both financially and in fulfilling its mission. I look forward to working with the incredible board and staff to help strengthen career pathways in the industry and to help every chamber executive understand their important role in leading economic growth and community development.”

The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives was established in 1914. The group has more than 7,000 leaders from 1,300 chambers of commerce, including 93 of the top 100 U.S. metro areas.