The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has named Matt Reed, a respected business leader and dedicated community advocate, Interim President & CEO. His appointment follows the recent announcement that Bárbara Rivera Holmes has been appointed Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor.

Reed, a former Chairman and Board Member of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce has agreed to serve in the interim capacity. At the same time, the Board of Directors evaluates the next steps in selecting a permanent leader for the organization. During this period, the Board will prioritize identifying a candidate who is deeply passionate about Albany, committed to the Chamber’s broad scope of work, and a champion for the Southwest Georgia business community.

“Matt brings extensive experience in business communications and deep knowledge of our region,” said Smith Wilson, Chairman of the Albany Area Chamber Board of Directors. “His leadership during this transition will help maintain our strong momentum as we look toward the Chamber’s next chapter.”

“I’m honored to serve the Albany Area Chamber during this time of transition and opportunity,” said Reed. “The Albany Area Chamber plays a vital role in shaping the future of Albany and Southwest Georgia, and I look forward to working with the board, staff, members, and community partners to continue that important work.”

Matt Reed is the President of Georgia CEO, a network of local business news platforms serving 13 cities across Georgia, with a reach of more than 70,000 subscribers. In addition to his leadership as Georgia CEO, Reed also owns The UPS Stores in Albany. Reed is actively engaged in various organizations, serving on the boards of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Colony Bankcorp, the UGA SBDC State Advisory Board, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, the 4C Academy Foundation, and the Jekyll Island Foundation. He also currently chairs both Horizons Community Solutions and the Albany- Dougherty Payroll Development Authority.

A graduate of Valdosta State University, Reed was named VSU’s Graduate of the Last Decade in 2019, the Albany Area Chamber’s Inaugural Young Professional of the Year in 2019, and State Partner of the Year by the UGA SBDC in 2015. He is an alumnus of Leadership Albany, GeorgiaForward’s Young Gamechangers, Locate South Georgia LEADS, and Leadership Georgia.

Matt, his wife Kelsey – Chief Nursing Officer at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center – and their daughter reside in Albany.