PHOENIX (February 10, 2021)—The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry today announced that Garrick Taylor will serve as interim president and CEO of the organization effective February 18, 2021, the date of the Chamber’s next Executive Committee meeting.
Current Chamber President and CEO Glenn Hamer is departing his position to become the next president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business beginning next month. Hamer has led the Arizona Chamber since 2006.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Garrick at three separate stops throughout my career, and I’m so glad that the Board of Directors has named him to serve as the interim president and CEO,” Hamer said. “I am leaving with confidence that the Chamber is in good hands and that this transition will be a smooth one.”
Taylor joined the Chamber in 2009. He is currently the organization’s executive vice president, overseeing the Chamber’s advocacy, policy development and communications.
“I appreciate the confidence the Board of Directors has shown in appointing me to the interim president and CEO role and entrusting me to manage this period of transition,” Taylor said. “I believe deeply in the Chamber’s mission and I look forward to continuing our vital work to support policies that grow jobs and enhance the state’s competitive standing.”
The Chamber also announced the formation of a committee to conduct a nationwide search for a permanent president and CEO.
“The Board of Directors thanks Glenn Hamer for his years of stellar work for the Chamber. We’re sad to see him go, but we greatly appreciate Glenn’s work building the Chamber to such a position of strength. We look forward to Glenn continuing to advocate for American competitiveness from his new state,” Arizona Chamber Board Chair Dawn Grove said. “We also are fortunate that Garrick Taylor will serve as our interim president and CEO. The Chamber’s work on behalf of the state’s job creators won’t miss a beat under Garrick’s leadership.
“The Arizona Chamber is well respected in the state and across the nation, and deservedly so. We anticipate a number of outstanding candidates will express interest in becoming our next president and CEO as we commence a nationwide search and prepare for the next phase in the life of the state’s most impactful business advocacy group.”
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