FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 26, 2009

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES TODD SANDERS AS NEW CEO AND PRESIDENT

(PHOENIX) – The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce’s (GPCC) Board of Directors announced today that Todd Sanders, the Chamber’s vice president for public affairs and economic development has been selected as the Chamber’s new CEO and president effective May 15, 2009.

“Our search committee reviewed over one hundred applications for this position,” stated Andy McCain, chairman of the Chamber board. “After an extensive series of interviews, Todd was the selection committee’s unanimous choice. We are fortunate to have as our next president a professional who has Chamber experience, strong political credentials, and a collaborative leadership style.”

Todd Sanders is currently the vice president of public affairs and economic development for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. He has worked at the Chamber since 2006. Mr. Sanders previously served as a legislative research analyst at the Arizona House of Representatives for seven years. During his final session Mr. Sanders served the Committee on Counties, Municipalities, and Military Affairs, under Chairman John Nelson.

Todd is a native of Bogota, Colombia and is a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a bachelor of science in political science. He has served on the board of directors for the Arizona Mexico Commission since his appointment in 2007.

Katie Pushor, current Chamber president & CEO stated, “Our city and state are facing a serious fiscal crisis and an economy in recession. The business community will be well-served by Todd’s experience as we come together to face the tough choices required to balance these budgets and emerge with a stronger, diversified economic future for Arizona.”

The search committee was lead by former Chamber chairman, Steve Rizley, senior vice president and general manager of Cox Communications Arizona.

“I am honored to have been selected to represent the interests of our member businesses and to lead the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce,” Sanders said. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership of the House and Senate, with Governor Brewer, Mayor Gordon and our friends on the Phoenix City Council to address our mutual challenges.”

Mr. Sanders will succeed current Chamber President and CEO Katie Pushor, who announced her intent to resign in January. Ms. Pushor will be launching a new business venture in 2010.

About the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Representing 3,400 businesses across Metropolitan Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is Arizona’s oldest and largest Chamber. The Chamber supports the growth and development of business by offering networking and marketing opportunities, money-saving programs and a voice in government, keeping its members informed, connected and prosperous.
The Chamber enhances members’ success by promoting economic development, entrepreneurship and a connection to the community with local chapters in Anthem, Deer Valley and South Mountain/Laveen.

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