Derrick R. Clay elected to board of directors for Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Derrick R. Clay, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce has been elected to serve on the board of directors for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), an Alexandria, Va.-based association of over 9,000 professionals who work for and with more than 1,300 chambers of commerce.

Members of ACCE’s board of directors represent more than 50 organizations, including many of the world’s largest and most influential regional chambers of commerce.

“We are pleased to welcome Derrick R. Clay to the ACCE Board of Directors,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE president & CEO. “Derrick brings a wealth of leadership experience and commitment to strengthening chambers and the communities they serve. At a time when chambers are driving innovation, fostering economic opportunity and building resilient communities, the insight and perspective of dedicated volunteer leaders are invaluable. We look forward to the impact he will make in helping advance ACCE’s mission.”

Derrick R. Clay serves as the President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, where he is dedicated to driving prosperity and growth in the Columbus Region business community through connections, resources, and advocacy. An established leader with deep ties to the Columbus community and extensive experience in strategic development and organizational growth, Derrick brings a forward-thinking approach to advancing the Chamber’s vision as the driving force behind a thriving Columbus economy.

“I’m honored to serve on the ACCE Board of Directors and to represent the Columbus Region alongside chamber leaders from across the country,” said Derrick. “Chambers play a critical role in strengthening local economies by convening business leaders, advocating for policies that foster growth, and helping organizations navigate change. I look forward to sharing the innovation and collaboration happening in the Columbus Region while learning from peers who are advancing their own communities. Together, we have an opportunity to elevate the impact chambers have on businesses and the regions they serve.”

The mission of ACCE is to support and develop chamber professionals to lead businesses and their communities. ACCE identifies and analyzes trends affecting communities, shares best practices, and develops benchmarking studies, in addition to providing other tools to help chamber leaders manage and improve operations at their organization and achieve the highest impact in their communities.

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About the Columbus Chamber of Commerce: The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that serves more than 2,600 organizations. Founded in 1884, the Columbus Chamber is the active voice of the Columbus Region business community and the place where business comes together to move our region forward. We convene leaders and organizations, advocate for policies that strengthen business and the economy, and navigate companies to the relationships, resources, and insights that fuel growth. Together, we’re creating opportunity, removing barriers to success, and building a stronger, more prosperous Columbus Region. Learn more: columbus.org. 

About ACCE: Established in 1914, ACCE is an association of over 9,000 chamber professionals from 1,300 chambers of commerce throughout the United States, including 93 of the top 100 U.S. metro areas and a host of international markets. The combined membership of ACCE chambers is close to one million businesses. Chamber leaders look to ACCE for best practices, networks and new ideas that will help them advance the interests of their communities. ACCE recommends successful programs and strategies, and identifies trends, partners and business models that show promise. For more information, visit ACCE.org.