Prince William Chamber CEO to step down

Prince William Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Sweeney is stepping down after three years to pursue a new professional opportunity, a position he said he will speak more about soon in a video posted on LinkedIn on Monday.

Sweeney joined the county chamber three years ago and said he had decided not to renew his contract, but the chamber’s announcement said he will remain on staff for some time to assist his successor.

“I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together, strengthening the chamber’s voice in public policy, expanding its impact across economic development and workforce issues, and positioning the organization for long-term relevance and success in a rapidly changing region,” Sweeney said in a statement. “As I move on to a new global business opportunity, I will always be indebted to the chamber and its members for the chance to serve this community and work alongside so many dedicated leaders, volunteers and staff.”

The chamber’s board voted Monday to create a search committee for Sweeney’s replacement.

In November 2022, Sweeney joined the county chamber after having served as the first president and CEO of the Greater Washington Sports Alliance and founding CEO of Washington, D.C.’s 2024 Olympics bid, an appointment by then-D.C. Mayor Vince Gray.

He also held executive positions at American University’s Kogod School of Business and the Washington DC Global Cities Initiative.

The chamber also announced Monday that Kristi Black, former district director for Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger when she served in Congress, has joined the chamber as its new director of government affairs. Black was owner and operator of a small bakery in Bristow before working for Spanberger.