Prince William chamber leader announces retirement

Prince William Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Debbie Jones will retire at the end of the year, the organization announced Monday.

Jones has served in the position since July 2014 after joining the chamber in 2010 to serve as its chief operating officer. She previously served 17 years as the president and CEO of the Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber, which merged in 2010 with the Prince William Regional Chamber to form the Prince William Chamber.

Gayle Whitlock, chair of the chamber’s board of directors, said in a statement that Jones led through “good times and the hard with energy, enthusiasm, optimism and confidence in our region’s business community.”

“She has been a connector, cheerleader and good friend to businesses and organizations both large and small,” Whitlock said, adding that Jones leaves the chamber “in a great place – with a strong financial base, capable and committed staff, strong leadership on the board, and a membership ready to tackle today’s opportunities and challenges.”

Jones told Virginia Business that she’s proud of the chamber for surviving a worldwide pandemic, including “coming out really stronger on the other side.” Jones said a transition group from the chamber will convene to begin a search for a new leader.

“I’ve had the opportunity to really work with so many great people over these years,” Jones said.