WILMINGTON — Effective Jan. 1, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce — the state’s oldest chamber, at 154 years — has elected seven new members to its board of directors, including a new board chair. The board supports the chamber’s strategic plan to help area businesses grow and thrive. It has over 900 members in its network.
The new board elected Neal Andrew of Andrew Consulting Engineers as its 2022 chair. Andrew has served on the board since 2016, with his consulting firm a member of the chamber for 18 years.
“I’m optimistic about continued business growth in Wilmington and the role our chamber plays to advocate for business-friendly policies at the local, state, and federal levels that lead to economic prosperity for all who live here,” Andrew stated in a press release.
He went on to explain the chamber’s plan in the new year will continue outreach in business retention and expanding “work for small businesses, talent, and workforce development programs.”
“[A]nd advocating for the much-needed infrastructure projects in our community, including a replacement for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge,” Andrew continued.
CEO and president of the Wilmington chamber, Natalie English, praised Andrew’s efficacy and efficiency at leading the board’s growth.
“He has helped us identify new resources and recruit new members to help us operate a more robust, strategic, and successful organization,” English stated in a release. “Neal is also an asset to our advocacy efforts with his extensive knowledge of coastal issues.”
New board members include:
- Mike Brown, vice president of Brokerage Development Services at Cape Fear Commercial
- Livian Jones, director of business strategy at SGA/Narmour Wright Design
- Rob Kaiser, publisher at Greater Wilmington Business Journal
- Denise Kinney, president at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
- Anthony Parnell, senior human resources manager at GE Aviation
- Gustavo Rodea, owner of Mattress & Furniture Liquidators
- Dane Scalise, general counsel and insurance broker at GriffinEstep Benefit Group
The 2022 executive committee members are executive vice president of Thomas Construction Group Jim Hundley Jr. as treasurer, and GE Hitachi’s human resources leader Lily Loizeaux as personnel committee chair.
Michele Holbrook, capital program manager for Corning Incorporated, will act as the board’s immediate past chair.
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