Georgia Chamber of Commerce CEO George Israel to retire

Georgia Chamber of Commerce president and CEO George Israel III said Wednesday he plans to retire from the post.

Israel, a former mayor of Macon, joined the Georgia Chamber in 2002, said he'll stay on until a replacement is hired.

"I have determined that it is time for me to make a change," said Israel, who is in his early 60s.

"I'm leaving an organization that is strong financially, well-positioned politically, and laser focused on the issues most important to the businesses of our state," Israel said.

Under Israel, the chamber experienced what it termed "legislative success" in civil justice, tax, water and education issues. Membership also has grown.

"His experience and political savvy allowed him to successfully navigate us through times of both political change and economic downturn," said Suzanne Sitherwood, president of Atlanta Gas Light and current chair of the chamber board.

Israel came to the chamber with a background in business and government. At 31, he was elected mayor of Macon, a post he held from 1979 to 1987.

He worked as an underwriter in the life, health and accident insurance industry, and in 1987 he became president and CEO of The Potomac Corporation, a European venture capital firm. Later, he was CEO of a Macon real estate development company, Fickling & Walker, and president and CEO of Secure Health Plans of Georgia.

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David Markiewicz

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