The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce has a new interim president.
In a letter emailed to members, Friday, the Chamber announced that former Aiken Chamber of Commerce president J. David Jameson has been appointed as interim CEO and president of Columbia County’s Chamber.
“Our organization is fortunate to have someone from the CSRA who can step in during the short run,” said Neil Gwynne, chairman of the Columbia County Chamber’s Board of Directors. “David’s experience and dedication will serve us well as we move toward selecting our next President.”
Jameson, who retired last year from his role as president of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce after 18 years, began in his new role Friday, meeting with the staff in Evans, Gwynne said.
The Chamber elected its previous president and CEO, Russell Lahodny, in 2020. The announcement letter alludes to Lahodny’s abrupt departure by noting he is “pursuing new endeavors.”
“He’s decided to look for other opportunities, and we thank him and wish him the best of luck,” said Gwynne.
Jameson is returning to what was a decades-long career leading economic development organizations that includes having chaired the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization and serving on the advisory board for the CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon, alongside similar roles in North Carolina.
“I am honored to be asked to serve as Interim President of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce,” said Jameson. “I look forward to leading an already outstanding team as we continue working with our members and the community to execute the Chamber’s vision for the Greater Augusta Region.”
The Chamber will be reviewing bids from various executive recruiting firms, Gwynn explained, from which it will select a candidate to permanently fill the CEO role.
“We’re hoping that doesn’t take too long,” he said. “But I would say we’re probably going to be looking towards the first of the year.”
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
