The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce announced today that the 2022 Board has tapped Ron Shipman, retired Georgia Power executive and former Chamber Board Chairman, to serve as interim President & CEO of the organization. The appointment follows the resignation and retirement of President and CEO Yvonne Williams.

" When Yvonne arrived at the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, she brought incredible knowledge and a great deal of passion. Our community is thankful that she used those notable qualities and many others to move our Chamber and community forward, " said Dr. Ivan Allen, Chairman, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. "The Board and the entire membership wish Yvonne all the best as she moves into the next phase of her life."

Dr. Allen and the Board have developed an integrated strategic plan for 2022 that will require exemplary leadership and guidance. " The Board is so pleased that Ron Shipman has agreed to lead the Chamber during this interim period. The Macon-Bibb community is familiar with Ron’s integrity, professionalism, and unrelenting drive. He is a proven leader, and I have no doubt that his experience, talents, and skills will fuel the Chamber’s growth and success " stated Allen.

With over 35-years of electric utility and executive experience, Shipman’s leadership roles in nuclear chemistry, area/distribution management and customer service coupled with his expertise in environmental, legislative, and external affairs make him ideally suited to step into this role. At Georgia Power, Shipman oversaw company operations for more than 442,000 customers in 59 Georgia counties including the cities of Macon, Columbus, Valdosta, and Dublin.

Shipman received a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Morehouse College and an MBA from Shorter (College) University. He completed numerous executive development programs including Leadership Georgia, the Regional Leadership Institute (RLI), the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leaders (IGEL) and attended the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.

As an active community advocate, Shipman serves as a member of the board of directors for Atrium Health Navicent in Macon-Bibb County. Additionally, he serves as Second Vice-Chair of the Board of Elections & Registration and as a board member of the Industrial Development Authority. Previously, he served on the boards of NewTown Macon and the 21st Century Partnership.

Ron Shipman graciously accepted the appointment as the Chamber’s interim President & CEO and expressed enthusiasm for his new role. “The Greater Macon Chamber continues to share a rich history of distinguished leaders at its helm. I am delighted to be included among them, all though for a short period. Moving forward, I am planning to continue to serve the greater Macon area businesses, their employees and our customers with informative programs and talent recruitment & retention options. Join us in making the Greater Macon Chamber and its businesses even better for all of us.”

The Greater Macon Chamber Board of Directors has empaneled a search committee to begin the selection of the Chamber's next President & CEO.