Virginia Chamber of Commerce taps new leader

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce has appointed Brad N. Hall as president and CEO, effective June 29, according to a Thursday announcement.

Hall joins the chamber, which conducted a national search for its next leader, from Appalachian Power, where he served as vice president of external affairs.

“Brad brings an exceptional combination of chamber leadership experience, strategic vision and deep knowledge of the commonwealth of Virginia, including the importance of our rural communities,” Jennifer Siciliano, chair of both the chamber and the search committee, said in a statement. “Having served in and led chambers throughout his career, he understands both the opportunities and challenges facing Virginia’s business community.”

Hall succeeds Keith Martin, who served as interim president and CEO after Cathie J. Vick resigned as the organization’s leader after only four months on the job.

Martin previously worked for the Virginia Chamber from 2011 to 2024 as executive vice president of public policy and general counsel, and he will stay with the chamber in those roles. He briefly worked as director of government relations for Appalachian Power before taking the interim role in August.

During a 13 year-tenure at Appalachian Power, Hall provided executive leadership for the company’s government affairs, economic development, communications, customer relations and community engagement departments across its three-state service territory of Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee. He also previously served as president and CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Hall earned an MBA from Morehead State University.

At the chamber, Virginia’s largest business advocacy organization with more than 30,000 members, Hall will execute the priorities outlined in the chamber’s strategic plan, Blueprint Virginia 2035.

“From day one, our focus will be clear: championing public policies that support a competitive business climate, listening closely to our members and expanding membership so that the chamber continues to represent the full strength and diversity of Virginia’s economy,” Hall said in a statement.