The Harris County Chamber of Commerce Board has approved Colin Martin as their next of President & CEO.
 
Martin’s first day with the Chamber will be Monday, August 28, which will provide a week of transition before current Chamber President Jayson Johnston departs September 1 to for his new role in Washington County, Georgia as Economic Development Director.
 
Martin comes from a background with extensive Chamber experience, having worked for the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce and the Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority.  In that role, he worked closely with the leadership of Harris County on many projects and initiatives.  Martin currently serves as a governmental affairs consultant for Columbus Regional Health.  He has also served as a Field Representative for former U.S. Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, serving the 3rd District, which includes Harris County.  
 
“I have missed the opportunity to make an impact on the broader community and region that serving at a Chamber provides,” said Martin.  “I am committed to regionalism and I look forward to keying my past experience with the current momentum of the Harris County Chamber to continue to build upon its successes.”
 
Martin is a native of Columbus, Georgia and attended the University of Georgia.  He is married to Dr. Beth Martin, a physician in Columbus.  They have two daughters.  One will graduate from Georgia Tech this year with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and the other from Columbus High School in 2018.
 
“We had some very strong candidates for the position,” said current Chamber Board Chairman Kevin Wiley of Georgia Power. “Colin stood out to our Search Committee with his past experience, his connections in Harris County and beyond, his experience in the Chamber field, and his vision for the Harris County Chamber of Commerce.”
 
The Chamber Search Committee presented Martin as the final candidate at a called Board meeting on Friday, August 25.  The Board had the opportunity to interview Martin and have a conversation about his qualifications and his plans to grow and evolve the Chamber.