Virginia Chamber appoints interim CEO

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced on Tuesday that it has appointed former chamber executive Keith Martin as interim president and CEO, effective Sept. 2.

The announcement comes after former chamber President and CEO Cathie J. Vick resigned unexpectedly after only four months on the job.

Martin will lead the chamber — Virginia’s largest business advocacy organization with more than 30,000 members — while its board conducts a nationwide search for a permanent president and CEO. Additionally, Martin will assume the role of executive vice president of public policy and government relations, overseeing the chamber’s policy and advocacy agenda.

“Keith is a proven leader with deep relationships across the business community, policymakers, and chambers throughout Virginia,” said board chair Linda Stanley in a statement, adding that the chamber’s board has “full confidence” in Martin’s ability to guide the chamber during the transition.

Martin has more than 20 years of experience in public policy and business advocacy, including a previous tenure working for the Virginia Chamber from 2011 to 2024 as executive vice president of public policy and general counsel, as well as executive director of the Virginia Chamber Foundation. According to his LinkedIn profile, he is currently director of government relations for Appalachian Power and previously served as a policy director for the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The chamber said Martin helped shape the chamber’s public policy recommendations, including significant contributions to three editions of Blueprint Virginia, the state’s comprehensive business plan. He also successfully managed the chamber’s legislative agenda through multiple General Assembly sessions.

“I am honored to return to the Virginia Chamber and to serve in this leadership role during such a critical time,” said Martin in a statement. “I look forward to working with the board, [the chamber] team and our members to advance the chamber’s mission and strengthen Virginia’s position as the best state for business.”

Martin has a law degree from Thomas Cooley Law School and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Virginia Tech.