The Metro Atlanta Chamber has added a former top economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta to its leadership team.

Thomas J. Cunningham, a former senior economist and vice president at the Atlanta Fed, has joined the chamber as its chief economist. Cunningham, a 30-year veteran of the Atlanta Fed, launched the bank’s Center for Real Estate Analytics. Cunningham will be tasked with drafting policies and recommendations to help tackle regional economic challenges, the chamber said.

“Tom’s leadership and accomplishments at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta demonstrate the kind of forward thinking and analytical insight that MAC needs as we deliver on our five-year strategic plan,” chamber President and CEO Hala Moddelmog said in a news release.