The Phenix City/Russell County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Dennis P. Beson has been selected as the Chamber’s new President & CEO. On October 26, the Chamber’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve Beson for the position after a search committee that reported to the Executive Committee conducted an extensive nationwide search. The Chamber partnered with Swingbridge Consulting, LLC out of Charlotte, North Carolina to provide oversight for the executive search. Beson will begin work officially on January 2, 2018. He will be relocating to the area at the end of November.

“I am honored to join the Phenix City/Russell County Chamber of Commerce,” said Beson. “The Chamber’s work is vital to the business community and I look forward to working with the Chamber’s board, volunteers, staff and greater community to grow the organization and to promote the interest and ensure the livelihood of local businesses.”

Beson most recently served as the President/CEO of the Junction City, Kansas Chamber and is currently attending the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management program at the University of Georgia will an anticipated graduation date in 2019. He is a 1992 graduate of Michigan State University. He is the author of a book titled “My Customer, My Co-Worker – The Key to Great Customer Service is The Customer.”

During his tenure as President/CEO of the Junction City, KS Chamber he was responsible for a consolidated Chamber which included Economic Development, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Military Affairs and the Membership Division. The Chamber experienced 25% membership growth under his leadership.

Beson brings an upbeat attitude and a passion for local business to the Phenix City/Russell County Chamber.

Chair of the Chamber’s Search Committee Melissa Gauntt, said, "We had many strong candidates from throughout the country. Dennis Beson was the ideal choice. He brings a wealth of experience in management and chamber operations to the Chamber. With his exceptional background and experience he is uniquely positioned to represent every stakeholder in our business community; he is an experienced business executive and a proven leader with political acumen.” Gauntt added, “We are pleased to welcome Dennis to our community and feel that his leadership and proven track record will complement the Chamber and keep the organization on a path of success for the future.”