George M. Israel, III, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, announced to the organization’s Board of Directors this morning that he intends to retire from his current position. “I’m proud of all we have accomplished since I joined the Georgia Chamber in 2002,” said Israel. “I’m leaving an organization that is strong financially, well-positioned politically, and laser focused on the issues most important to the businesses of our state. While I have determined that it is time for me to make a change, I do so with full confidence that the future is bright for both me and the Chamber.” Under Israel’s leadership, the Georgia Chamber maintained a strong statewide membership, raised over $1 million for the 48th Infantry Brigade of the Georgia National Guard, and built an unsurpassed record of legislative success in areas including civil justice, tax, water and education. He also led the organization’s Georgia Initiative campaign, which ultimately raised $7.5 million to augment the Chamber’s policy, communications, and government affairs programs. “George was the right leader at the right time for the Georgia Chamber,” commented 2010 Board Chair Suzanne Sitherwood (president, Atlanta Gas Light). “His experience and political savvy allowed him to successfully navigate us through times of both political change and economic downturn. We are fortunate that he was willing to give us eight years and will benefit from the foundation he built for years to come.” “Replacing George will not be easy,” added 2009 Board Chair Mike Garrett (president and CEO, Georgia Power). “I have known and worked with him for a long time and there are few people who have dedicated as much time and energy toward the betterment of our state.” Israel, a former mayor of Macon, brought both business and political experience to the Georgia Chamber. He was named Georgian of the Year by Georgia Trend magazine in 2006 and was an active on the national level with both the U. S. Chamber of Commerce and the Council of State Chambers. Israel will remain with the organization until a replacement can be identified. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee will lead the search Under Israel’s leadership, the Georgia Chamber maintained a strong statewide membership, raised over $1 million for the 48th Infantry Brigade of the Georgia National Guard, and built an unsurpassed record of legislative success in areas including civil justice, tax, water and education. He also led the organization’s Georgia Initiative campaign, which ultimately raised $7.5 million to augment the Chamber’s policy, communications, and government affairs programs. “George was the right leader at the right time for the Georgia Chamber,” commented 2010 Board Chair Suzanne Sitherwood (president, Atlanta Gas Light). “His experience and political savvy allowed him to successfully navigate us through times of both political change and economic downturn. We are fortunate that he was willing to give us eight years and will benefit from the foundation he built for years to come.” “Replacing George will not be easy,” added 2009 Board Chair Mike Garrett (president and CEO, Georgia Power). “I have known and worked with him for a long time and there are few people who have dedicated as much time and energy toward the betterment of our state.” Israel, a former mayor of Macon, brought both business and political experience to the Georgia Chamber. He was named Georgian of the Year by Georgia Trend magazine in 2006.
