The JAX Chamber has announced Chamber President Walter (Wally) M. Lee, III, plans to retire from the organization in March 2013. He will step down as chief executive officer of the Chamber on Dec. 31, 2012, but continue in an advisory role through next March.

Jerry Mallot, president of JAXUSA Partnership, will serve as interim president and CEO of the Chamber, effective Jan. 1, 2013. Chamber vice president Anna Valent will assume additional operational and administrative duties. The Chamber Board of Directors is forming a search committee to hire a long-term president and CEO. Kelly Madden, North Florida wholesale regional president of Wells Fargo, will chair the search committee and Ed Burr, president and CEO of Greenpointe Holdings LLC, will serve as vice-chair.

During his 23 years as Chamber president, Lee helped drive quality economic growth in our region, championed civil rights and significantly contributed to the National Football League awarding a franchise to Jacksonville as well as bringing the Super Bowl here.

Lee, who has planned his retirement to coincide with his 65th birthday next March, said his career at the JAX Chamber has been enjoyable beyond belief, filled with almost daily opportunities for personal and professional fulfillment.

“After almost a quarter century as JAX Chamber president, I announce my retirement with a dash of bitter sweetness but with tremendous energy about the possibility of continuing to contribute to our region’s health in new and different ways. I hope my greatest legacy is an amazingly effective staff complemented by a highly-capable and energetic corps of volunteer leaders.”

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