Alexandria Chamber Names New CEO

PHOTO: 2015 Board Chairman Walter Clarke (left) and new Chamber CEO Joseph Haggerty. Photo courtesy of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.

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The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Tuesday announced that it has named Joseph “Joe” Haggerty, the former executive vice president and chief operating officer for United Way Worldwide, as its new chief executive officer.

“We are extremely pleased to have Joe at the helm of the Alexandria Chamber,” said Walter Clarke, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s chairman of the board of directors, in a news release issued by the Chamber.

“He has had a long and distinguished career in community relationship-building, strategic organization and planning, and philanthropic fundraising,” Clarke said. “He will bring those valuable skills and expertise to Alexandria’s very active Chamber of Commerce, which will benefit greatly from his depth of knowledge and experience as the local business community continues to grow and prosper.

Haggerty’s career has been with the United Way, where he has served as president of United Way organizations in St. Paul, Minn. and Phoenix, Ariz. Moving to Alexandria from the CEO position at the Los Angeles United Way in 2004, he was named executive V.P. and chief operating officer for United Way Worldwide.

He has been a volunteer with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce since 2009.

”I am honored to step into this position with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and I believe my skills and experience can help the Chamber move forward,” said Haggerty. “Both business and individuals need to be the Chamber’s strong voice, working with our elected leaders, to ensure that we thrive economically.

Haggerty received his undergraduate degree from Boston College and earned a Master’s Degree of Social Work, with a major in Community Organization and Planning, from the University of Connecticut.

He has also completed executive management programs at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Harvard Business School, and United Way of America.

Formed in 1906 by a group of local business leaders, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce seeks to ensure a climate that grows and strengthens businesses in Alexandria, Virginia, and provides a voice that advocates on the behalf of members.

For more information, visit www.alexchamber.com