Little Rock man Jay Chesshir, CCE, was elected Chairman of the Board of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) during the organization’s Annual Convention in Savannah on Aug. 9, 2016.
Chesshir currently serves as the president and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m honored to serve an organization that has meant so much to me throughout my career,” he said in a press release. “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.”
Joe Roman, chief executive officer of the Greater Cleveland Partnership and ACCE’s Immediate Past Chair added, “For years, Jay Chesshir has been a leader across this organization. From reimagining member peer groups, to marshalling financial resources to directing the Economic Development Division, Jay’s fingerprints are all over our most important initiatives. … He’ll be a great chairman.”
The ACCE is a professional development organization serving the women and men who lead local, regional and statewide chambers of commerce and similar private sector-led economic development organizations across North America. Attendance at the 102nd Annual Convention in Savannah exceeded 1,200 members.
As chairman of ACCE, Chesshir will serve a one-year term for the 2016-17 season. During that time he will be responsible for overseeing activities of a 70-member board of directors and guiding the work of the organization’s 26 staff.
Mick Fleming, ACCE’s president and CEO, also said, “Chambers are positioned to do more in business advocacy and promoting economic growth than at any time in our history. With Jay at the helm, I know we’ll continue advancing our mission to equip chamber executives with the tools and skills to be catalytic leaders in their communities.”
Visit the ACCE website for more information.