The Board of Directors of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce appointed Perry Revell, CEO of AB&T, to serve as 2023 chairman of the board. The move follows the unexpected death in late June of Chandu Kuntawala, who took the helm of the board on Jan. 1.

The organization’s chair-elect, Wells Fargo Advisors Branch Manager Jeretha Peters, will assume the role of board chair on Jan. 1. Don Gray, facilities manager for the city of Albany, will continue in his role as immediate past chair of the board.

“With a devout belief in the transformative power of our chamber’s work, fueled by our collective commitment to #ImpactABY2023, I’m honored to assume this role,” Revell said. “While circumstances render heavy hearts, I’ll approach this term with the honor it deserves: as a champion of our collective vision. With respect for Chandu’s legacy of service, I pledge to continue advancing our future-focused strategic plan, propelling us to meaningful community outcomes.

“Our chamber staff is elite, and our board is a force for good. Together, we’ll lift the mission while solidifying the foundation for Jeretha’s 2024 term as chair.”

Revell served as the 2020 chair of the board, providing extraordinary leadership during the pandemic, one of the most challenging times in recent history.

“Perry is a trusted and gifted leader who empowers and inspires,” Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber and the Albany Area Chamber Foundation, said. “We are grateful for Perry’s service and for his long-standing commitment to the Albany Area Chamber as a purpose-driven force for connection, engagement, leadership and impact.”

Prior to his role as chairman, Kuntawala served the Albany Area Chamber for many years, leading its education division and helping introduce innovative programs, including the popular Go See! Tour, which welcomes chamber members to monthly visits at schools throughout Dougherty County, thereby strengthening the connection between the business community, students and educators.

“Chandu was a model servant leader,” Holmes said. “The vision and enthusiasm with which he led and served helped build a stronger Albany and a stronger Albany Area Chamber, and we are forever indebted.”

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1910, is leading a multiyear strategic effort to advance economic opportunities and a thriving community. With a diverse business community, the Albany Area Chamber works diligently to serve area businesses, develops strategies that help our community prosper and designs the path of Albany’s future. Learn more at www.albanyga.com.