Chamber News

Hugh Keogh Annouces Retirement-Virginia Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Hugh Keogh, President of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce announces his retirement at age 67. He has been in this position for 17 years.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 21, 2009 MEDIA CONTACT: (804) 237-1460 h.keogh@vachamber.com www.vachamber.com VIRGINIA CHAMBER CHIEF ANNOUNCES 2010 RETIREMENT Richmond (VA) - Hugh Keogh, President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce since 1992, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2010. Said Keogh, "The Virginia Chamber is a venerable, effective and widely respected institution and it has been a high honor to serve as its CEO for the past seventeen years. I have enjoyed it enormously, especially my association with the truly distinguished and dedicated group of board members and chairs as well as the hard working and skillful professionals who comprise the Virginia Chamber's staff. Now, as I approach the well-seasoned age of 67, it's time to contemplate putting the reins in younger hands." Dorcas Helfant-Browning, Chairman of the Virginia Chamber said, “Hugh Keogh has served the Virginia Chamber with distinction, His experienced judgment and polished statesmanship when working on legislative and regulatory issues at all levels of government have established the Chamber as a leading advocate for Virginia businesses. Keogh’s background in Economic Development has broadened the scope of the Virginia Chamber’s reach and helped foster the positive economic climate which has made the Commonwealth the number one state in which to do business.� Keogh came to the Chamber following a twenty year career in economic development in Virginia, culminating in serving as the Director of the Virginia Department of Economic Development from 1987-1992. A former Naval Officer, Mr. Keogh served with distinction in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam and in the Persian Gulf. Among the Chamber's many accomplishments during his tenure, he cited the 1994 Economic Vision for Virginia, a strategic visioning process still relevant today, the Chamber's 2004 support for new tax revenues that preserved the state's AAA bond rating, and Virginia's being named the best state in the nation for business for three consecutive years by Forbes.com. Chamber Chair Helfant-Browning indicated a search committee composed of Chamber board members, former chairs and others, would be formed shortly. Keogh will continue to serve through the 2010 General Assembly and will provide staff assistance to the Committee. It is anticipated that a successor will be identified in early spring of 2010. ###