The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce will welcome its new President and CEO, Bert Brantley, to the team, effective February 1, 2023.

Brantley most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp. As a Senior Advisor, he managed the Communications, External Affairs, Legislative, Policy, and Constituent Services teams. Brantley also held the position of Chief Operating Officer of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, appointed to that role by Governor Nathan Deal in 2017.
With more than 20 years of experience in state government, Brantley has held other roles in the Office of Governor Sonny Perdue, the Department of Driver Services, the State Road & Tollway Authority, and the Department of Transportation.

The Chamber’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve Brantley for the position after a search committee conducted an extensive nationwide search.
“We are excited to have Bert join our community and team,” said Allyson Harvin, Chamber Chairman and owner of Servpro Savannah. “The depth of Bert’s knowledge and experience in economic development, statewide transportation, legislative policy, and oversight of constituent services is what the Chamber Board of Directors felt would benefit our region as we prepare for the many opportunities on the immediate horizon.”

“The Savannah area has experienced tremendous growth and success, and I am excited to ensure the Chamber continues to play an integral role in promoting this community as one of the best in the country to live, work, play and visit,” said Bert Brantley, new President and CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. “I am incredibly impressed with the Chamber’s staff and leadership team, and I share their commitment to working together to provide opportunities that support the business interests of our members.”

Brantley will take over from the retiring William W. Hubbard, who has led the organization for more than 24 years. During Hubbard’s tenure, he was instrumental in helping grow the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce’s membership base to more than 2,200 members by advocating for area businesses while providing leadership and advocacy in the Coastal Region.