The NC Chamber is pleased to announce that Gary J. Salamido has been named president and CEO, effective Friday, Aug. 23.

Salamido assumed the role of chief operating officer and acting president of the NC Chamber in late 2018. He first joined the NC Chamber in 2011 as vice president of government affairs.

NC Chamber Chair Tom Heiks, executive vice president and head of commercial middle market banking at Fifth Third Bank, said, “Gary is an exceptional leader. He has done an excellent job steering this organization over the last several months and I am excited to see him continue to harness opportunity for our state’s business community. He has demonstrated an ability to attract top talent and engage the membership in new ways. His track record in advancing policy that bolsters economic opportunity and innovation has been extraordinary for our state.”

NC Chamber First Vice Chair Ward Nye, CEO of Martin Marietta and chair of the search committee, added, “Gary was chosen in a rigorous and comprehensive selection process from a strong field of candidates. He is a highly impressive talent known in our business community for his collaborative leadership style and for building dynamic partnerships throughout the state.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Salamido said, “The NC Chamber has a great culture, broad capabilities, and has helped position North Carolina as one of the best states in the nation to do business. Building further on our past successes is a challenge I accept with confidence, determination and fierce ambition for this organization. I am excited and passionately committed to placing our members at the absolute center of everything we do.”

As NC Chamber CEO, Salamido will connect and engage with leaders of both private and publicly-held companies across North Carolina. The public-facing role will be responsible for building strong partnerships and alliances with a broad range of constituents. In addition, he will ensure positive and professional relationships are fostered within the business community and with elected officials across the state.

Prior to joining the NC Chamber team in 2011, Salamido spent nearly 20 years at GlaxoSmithKline, a longtime NC Chamber member, most recently overseeing its state government affairs. With a master’s degree in pharmacy administration, Salamido has experience in hospital and community pharmacy practice. He completed the American Pharmacists Association Foundation’s Executive Residency in Association Management, which trains individuals for leadership positions within the profession and in national, regional, state, and local professional organizations.

“Gary’s experience with our state’s business community and proven track record of executing the NC Chamber’s goals is invaluable, and his selection ensures our future success,” added Sepi Saidi, second vice chair of the NC Chamber and president and CEO of SEPI. “He will continue to prioritize and be supportive of a diverse and inclusive culture across the organization, including within our volunteer leadership and membership.”

Salamido added, “I am determined to enhance the NC Chamber’s momentum based on our mission to establish a globally competitive workforce and create an enviable business climate that fuels statewide economic prosperity. The NC Chamber represents a diverse selection of leading employers from various industries, sizes, and locations, and while most feel that North Carolina is on the right track, we still face major challenges. We will be executing an aggressive plan to grow North Carolina’s economy and support our business community. The bar I set for myself and my team is high.”

For more information on Gary Salamido, click here.