FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2023
Media Contact: Jay Houston
(229) 434-8700
Albany Area Chamber appoints AB&T CEO Perry Revell as chairman of the board
Albany, Ga. — The Board of Directors of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Monday 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 helm of the board January 1.
The organization’s chair-elect, Jeretha Peters, Wells Fargo Advisors branch manager, will assume the role of board chair on January 1, 2024. 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. While circumstances render heavy hearts, I’ll approach this term with the honor it deserves; as a champion of our collective vision,” said Revell. “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,” he said, “and 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,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president & CEO of the Albany Area Chamber and the Albany Area Chamber Foundation. “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 bringing forth 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,” said Holmes. “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.”
xxx
The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1910, is leading a multi-year strategic effort to advance economic opportunities and a thriving community. With a diverse business community in our corner, 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.
The Albany Area Chamber Foundation, founded in 1991, leads talent, economic, innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives that provide impact beyond the business community’s normal reach. The Albany Area Chamber Foundation is the 501(c)3 affiliate of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at albanyga.com.