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Richard Perez, 总统 and 首席执行官 of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, announced today that he is stepping down effective December 31, 2022. Perez has served as the Chamber’s leader since 2007.
“Fifteen years ago this month, I started in my role as 总统 and 首席执行官 of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce,” said Perez. “Today marks the end of an important chapter in my life, and while the decision to step down as 总统 and 首席执行官 was not an easy one, I am excited about the direction of the organization and the opportunity to continue to serve the San Antonio community outside of this role.”
“今年, the Chamber has undertaken several key initiatives, including a governance restructure, the development of a strategic plan and a brand refresh. I believe these initiatives will elevate the organization, and I leave the organization prepared for great success in the future.”
“It has been my honor and privilege to lead this great organization and to work with our business community’s leaders to make a notable difference in our community. I am and always will be the San Antonio Chamber’s biggest cheerleader!”
During Perez’s tenure, the Chamber supported and lobbied for necessary funding for the establishment of Texas A&M University – San Antonio as an independent university; helped secure City Council passage of the Vista Ridge Pipeline project, ensuring a stable water supply for the future; and successfully defeated the City of San Antonio’s efforts to include a Labor Peace Agreement (LPA) requirement within the Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Food, Beverage and Retail Prime Concessionaire at the San Antonio International Airport. Additionally, the Chamber advocated for much needed economic stimulus aid for the business community during the pandemic, led efforts to include cost benefit analysis for mitigation strategies in the City’s Climate Action and Adaption Plan (CAAP), and most recently successfully advocated for keeping the Central Business District unified in final proposed 2022 city council district map.
“Richard has been an excellent leader and has made a significant impact on our community over the last 15 years. The leadership team and I applaud him for his hard work, 奉献, and noteworthy contributions,” said Phil Green, the Chamber’s 2022 Chair of the Board and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cullen/Frost Bankers, 公司. and Frost Bank. “While it will be difficult to replace Richard, I am confident he will continue to be an ambassador for the organization and will make positive and lasting contributions to the San Antonio community.”
“I have worked with Richard in many capacities over the last several years, and I want to thank him for leading the Chamber with passion, gusto and political savvy. With a new governance structure and strong strategic direction, he leaves the Chamber in an excellent position. We are excited about the future direction of the organization and prepared to build on the foundation created under Richard’s leadership and take the organization to the next level,” said Katie Harvey, 2023 Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of KGBTexas Communications.
Perez will stay on as the Chamber’s 总统 and 首席执行官 through December 31, 2022, and as consultant into 2023, while a national search is conducted for his successor.