Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce Names New President and CEO

ALPHARETTA, Georgia—The Executive Board of the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce (ACC) announced that after a competitive search, it has selected veteran business development leader Deborah L. Lanham as its new President and CEO. She will assume the role immediately.

Alpharetta is one of the fastest-growing cities in America and is among the best in which to live and do business. Lanham takes the helm of the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce with a clear mandate to grow and solidify its position as the premiere business-focused organization in Alpharetta.

“It is my awesome privilege to welcome Deborah Lanham as our CEO,” said Ron Altman, an Alpharetta BurgerFi franchise owner and ACC Board Chairperson. “Our rigorous search process revealed how gifted Deborah is as an executive leader and her vast experience growing chamber of commerce membership, programming and serving the needs of the business community. We are blessed she is such an ideal fit and confidence is sky-high about how she will capitalize on our current success and momentum to serve Alpharetta.”

Lanham served as a top executive with the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) for nearly eight years—the last four as Vice President of Business Development. During her successful tenure at GNFCC, she promoted diversity and inclusion in all levels of the organization while also achieving record-breaking growth in individual, business, and corporate memberships. She also helped expand business-focused programs and services in the areas of technology, women in business, and young business professionals.

After leaving GNFCC in 2018, Lanham launched Sufficient Imagination, LLC, a successful business development consultancy that assisted a number of start-up and established companies in launching, expanding, and growing new revenue opportunities.

“We were looking for a business executive with the right expertise who would immediately take the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce to the next level of excellence,” Altman said. “Deborah’s vision for where she wants to lead our organization is exciting news not only for our current members but also for the City of Alpharetta and the entire North Fulton business community. Her skills align perfectly on how we want to grow the organization. We hit a home run hiring Deborah.”

Born in Arizona and raised in Michigan, Lanham worked in metro Detroit before relocating to the Alpharetta area 22 years ago. She has decades of business, volunteer, and community experience in Metro Atlanta; she currently sits on the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) North Metro Advisory Board; and she has served on the Tech Alpharetta Board of Directors, United Way of Greater Atlanta North Fulton Advisory Board, and North Fulton Mental Health Collaborative.

“This appointment is truly an unbelievable blessing,” Lanham said. “I’ve witnessed first-hand the incredible business talents Alpharetta and North Fulton possess. I’m humbled to now be leading the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce as it embarks on a historic path of growth and prosperity for our members and businesses that make-up this great community. I can’t wait to get started and commit to bringing all of my creative and business development experience to the job every day.”

Reaction to Lanham’s appointment as the new Alpharetta Chamber CEO and President have poured in from business, community, and political leaders who have worked with her in the past:

§ “I applaud the Executive Board of the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce for selecting Deborah Lanham as President and CEO,” said Brandon Beach, State Senator District 21 and Executive Director of North Fulton CID. “She brings a high level of energy and is embedded in the business community. Deborah was instrumental in starting Tech400 and understands the importance of supporting and showcasing technology in our region.”

§ “A brand new chapter in the life of an outstanding organization. Watch for great things as Deborah leads the Alpharetta Chamber into a bright future,” said Alpharetta City Councilman Dan Merkel.

§ “Deborah understands the value of business and public policy leaders working together,” said Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann. She will bring her collaborative spirit and incredible network to strengthen and advocate for the Alpharetta business community.”

To schedule a media interview with Deborah Lanham, please contact Rick Hancock at rick.hancock@mymobilelyfe.com or 678-597-8541.

For more information about the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce or if you would like to become a member, please visit www.alpharettachamber.com or call 404-445-8223.

You can also follow the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce on social media:

§ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/alpharetta-chamber-of-commerce/

§ Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlpharettaChamber/

§ Twitter: twitter.com/Alpharetta_CoC

§ Instagram: www.instagram.com/alpharettachamber/

§ YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3eZl7bxmAoI6wl2AOJ53Q

ABOUT

The Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce was established in November 2013 by a group of business leaders who wanted to build a business identity for Alpharetta. The goal was to create an organization that instills pride among its members and helps them grow their businesses.

The Chamber has grown significantly in membership since its inception and has reached over 400 members in 2019. It has established itself as a valuable resource in the business community and has built strong partnerships with the City of Alpharetta and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau (Awesome Alpharetta).

Joining the Chamber gives members the opportunity to take part in several Signature Events (www.alpharettachamber.com/signature-events/) throughout the year. In addition to these events, the Chamber provides an extensive range of benefits, programs, and events to assist members in networking, education, and marketing. The Chamber also provide tools and resources to promote prosperity and foster success. The Chamber is the perfect vehicle for connecting the business community with the general population and showcasing what Alpharetta has to offer to prospective businesses and residents.