Greater Raleigh Chamber Of Commerce Welcomes New President

Greater Raleigh Chamber Of Commerce Welcomes New President And CEO
Spearheading Chamber’s Future Growth
Tim Giuliani To Guide Sustainable Economic Development Efforts And Promote Social,
Cultural Richness For One Of Nation’s Fastest-Growing Areas
The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce has announced that
Tim Giuliani has been chosen to lead the area’s future growth as
incoming president and CEO of the organization. Giuliani will
succeed Harvey Schmitt, who announced his retirement on Oct.
8. A dedicated public servant with 10 years of experience as a
chamber executive, Giuliani currently serves as president and
CEO of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and Council
for Economic Outreach in Gainesville, Fla.
Giuliani’s experience aligns perfectly with Raleigh’s dynamic
growth, as he is a proven trailblazer in public policy with more
than 10 years of highly successful chamber experience. Under
his leadership, the Gainesville Chamber garnered nearly $400
million in capital investments and oversaw the creation of more
than 750 new jobs. The Gainesville Chamber successfully
advocated for public policy decisions on energy, transportation
and streamlined regulation.
Jill Heath, president and CEO of Mulkey Engineers & Consultants and chair-elect of the
Chamber’s board of directors, chaired the 11-member committee that worked with national
search firm Waverly Partners, LLC.
Several highly qualified candidates from across the United States were considered for the
position. Giuliani was chosen for his dynamic character, along with his unique ability to reflect,
represent and embrace the next generation of entrepreneurial talent that the Raleigh business
community seeks to attract.
Prior to joining the Gainesville Chamber in 2012, Giuliani served as vice president of corporate
outreach and engagement for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. He led efforts to pass
legislation that created the $500 million Florida Growth Fund and the Small Business Credit
initiative to expand access to capital for small businesses by almost $1 billion.
Giuliani led membership and business development for the Gainesville Chamber from 2006 to
2008. During this time, he grew the chamber’s membership by 10 percent, with his team ranked
No. 1 nationally by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. He also managed
membership development efforts at the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. His track
record for sustained success led to the prestigious ACCE Lifetime Achievement Award for
membership development in 2010.
Giuliani received Bachelor of Arts degrees in economics and communication from Florida State
University, as well as a MBA from the University of Florida. He and his wife, Sarah, have two
sons, Tyler and John Parker, and a daughter, Analeigh.
QUOTES:
“The search committee and the board of directors found Tim unmatched in his ability to lead the
Chamber into the next phase of Raleigh’s economic development. With his vibrant character and
strong history of building organizations through membership growth, we believe Tim can carefully
sustain the wonderful qualities that businesses in North Carolina and across the United States
recognize the Chamber for and maintain a firm path to manage our city’s future growth,” said
Heath. “Just as he did in Gainesville, we are confident Tim will build on the great collaboration the
Chamber enjoys with the Triangle business community. He and his family are thrilled to make
Raleigh their new home, and we are very happy to welcome them here.”
“Tim has the skill and clear commitment to continuing the exceptional working relationships that
Harvey Schmitt established with our public and private sector partners,” said Ed Willingham, chief
operating officer of First Citizens Bancshares Inc. and First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, and
current chair of the Chamber’s board of directors. “Tim has created strong partnerships across
the state of Florida, and his impressive interpersonal skills will be a valued asset to the board. His
leadership and public policy talents made him a natural fit.”
“My wife, Sarah, and I are excited about our move to Raleigh, one of the nation’s top areas to
live, work, and learn. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have served the Gainesville Area
Chamber and community,” said Giuliani. “I look forward to this wonderful opportunity to lead a
dedicated staff and help write the next chapter for a Chamber that has very successfully served
the greater Raleigh community and the Research Triangle Region for many years.”
Media Contacts:
Vernessa Roberts
Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
(919) 664-7080
vroberts@raleighchamber.org
http://raleighchamber.org/
Kelly Crupi
MMI
(919) 233-6600
kelly@mmipublicrelations.com
http://mmipublicrelations.com
ABOUT GREATER RALEIGH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce is the Triangle’s largest nonprofit business
membership organization made up of more than 2,300 member firms representing two-thirds of
the private sector employment in Wake County. The Chamber has represented the interests of
the local business community since 1888.
ABOUT GAINESVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
The Gainesville Chamber has nearly 1,200 members employing more than 70,000 people, a staff
of 17, and an annual budget of $2.5 million. The Gainesville Chamber’s Economic Development
(Council for Economic Outreach) arm is the designated economic development entity for the
Gainesville region.
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