Charleston Reporter

The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce announced that President and CEO Bryan Derreberry will retire at the end of 2024 after a distinguished 13-year tenure leading the organization.

Under Derreberry’s leadership, the Chamber transformed into a leading advocacy organization and was recognized as the 2018 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

“After 13 remarkable years leading the Charleston Metro Chamber and 39 years in the profession, I’m proud of our achievements,” said Bryan Derreberry, President and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber. “We’ve become a national leader, celebrated our 250th anniversary and are charting our region’s future through People First. It’s been an honor serving our community.”

Prior to joining the Charleston Metro Chamber, Derreberry was president and CEO of the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce in Wichita, Kansas, where he directed the state’s largest metro chamber for over seven years. He also served as President and CEO of the Catawba County, North Carolina and Middletown Area, Ohio chambers of commerce respectively. He began his chamber career as a state lobbyist for the Greater Cincinnati (Ohio) Chamber of Commerce.

“Bryan’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to advancing the Charleston region have been instrumental in the Chamber’s success and that of our community,” said Matt Brewer, Chair of the Charleston Metro Chamber Board of Directors and President and CEO of Choate Construction Company. “His leadership has been steadfast and he has built a remarkable, mission-driven team. We are extremely grateful for his contributions.”

To ensure a smooth leadership transition, the Chamber has retained Waverly Partners to conduct a nationwide search for a new President and CEO. Brewer will serve as Chair of a 12-member Selection Committee composed of former Chamber Board Chairs, investors, and community leaders.

“We are confident that the Selection Committee will identify an exceptional leader to guide the Chamber into its next chapter,” said Brewer. “Given the Chamber’s strong foundation and the region’s vibrant economy, we anticipate attracting a robust pool of highly qualified candidates.”

The incoming President and CEO will play a pivotal role in advancing this strategic vision with initiatives like People First movement which focuses on long-term economic mobility and quality-of-life solutions for all residents within our region.

“Bryan’s exceptional leadership has propelled the Chamber to unprecedented growth ensuring that we are primed to excel in our next chapter," said Elizabeth Burwell, Senior Vice President for Southern First Bank & Incoming Board Chair for The Charleston Metro Chambers." I am grateful for his dedication to our chamber region & state."

The search for new president & ceo will begin in September with goal selecting new leader by year-end.Derreberry will remain his role until December31 ,2024.