BENTONVILLE, OCTOBER 31, 2023: The Greater Bentonville Area Chamber Commerce
(GBACC) today announces that the Chamber’s Executive Committee has appointed Brandom Gengelbach as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Gengelbach officially joined the Chamber team, October 30, 2023, and will be publicly introduced 9:00 a.m., October 31, 2023, during the Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit (NWA Tech Summit) prior to the Gravity Industries: Transforming Human Flight session and Jet Suit technology demonstration.
Gengelbach was most recently President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.
“The (GBACC) Executive Committee and Board of Directors are excited and confident that
Brandom Gengelbach’s rich background in business and chamber leadership, economic
development, and a commitment to fostering strategic economic growth makes Brandom the ideal President and CEO,” said Martine Downs Pollard, Chair of the GBACC Board of
Directors. “Brandom brings a wealth of experience, along with a deep-rooted passion for the business community. Combining that with his down to earth and personable demeanor, we know he is poised to lead and steer the Chamber to new heights during this time of dynamic growth.”
Gengelbach accepted the President and CEO position in early October and expressed his
enthusiasm for his new role, too. “I am truly honored to join the Greater Bentonville Area
Chamber of Commerce, an organization that plays a pivotal and convening role in promoting business and enhancing the overall quality of life in Greater Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas. I look forward to working closely with our members, community partners, and stakeholders to help build an even brighter economic future for our region.” Gengelbach further shared, “And it doesn’t hurt that Bentonville is known for its cycling community. The cyclist in me can’t wait to explore all of the trails Northwest Arkansas has to offer.”
Before assuming his GBACC role, Gengelbach served as the President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. In 2016, he joined the Fort Worth Chamber as the Executive Vice President of Economic Development, where he held responsibility for the four pillars of the Chamber’s strategic plan, known as Fortify: overseeing business attraction and retention efforts, talent development, small business initiatives, and advocacy. Gengelbach has over 20 years of diverse economic development and chamber of commerce experience, both domestic and international, with positions held in Nashville, Indianapolis, and Brisbane, Australia. In these roles, he excelled at marketing city assets and assessing client needs to facilitate corporate relocations and expansions into various cities.
“With the relaunch of our (CEO) search this past spring, alongside the launch of our strategic visioning work, our board of directors and advisors have been on a thoughtful and strategic
journey with a commitment to getting it right. Brandom’s impressive career and notable
attributes make him a great fit to drive and lead the Chamber’s mission forward. We are excited for Brandom to take the helm and to welcome him and his family to Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas,” said Downs Pollard.
Gengelbach was raised in Houston and the Plano-Addison area. He holds a Bachelor of Arts
degree from Samford University and an MBA from the University of Southampton, situated near London, where he also served as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar.
Debut at NWA Tech Summit:
In a remarkable development, Brandom Gengelbach is set to make his debut as the Chamber’s President and CEO at the highly anticipated NWA Tech Summit this year. This prestigious event, which showcases the latest advancements in technology and innovation, will serve as an excellent platform for him to connect with the local tech community and further the Chamber’s mission. The announcement will take place at 9:00 a.m., October 31, at the Rogers Convention Center, 3303 S Pinnacle Hills Pkwy, Rogers, AR 72758.
The Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to a dynamic and
productive future under the leadership of Brandom Gengelbach and invites all members and community stakeholders to join in welcoming him as the new President and CEO. A welcome celebration will take place at the Rogers Convention Center from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1. This event will be open to the public.
About the Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit:
The NWA Tech Summit is a flagship event in Northwest Arkansas that serves as a platform for fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and growth within the technology and business
sectors. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation, the Summit attracts professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders in technology-related fields.
The Summit celebrates its tenth year this year and is held at the Rogers Convention Center from October 30 – November 1, 2023.
About the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic organization dedicated to
fostering a vibrant business community and promoting economic growth in Bentonville and
Northwest Arkansas. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, the Chamber plays a vital role in the region’s prosperity and quality of life.
Formed in 1926, the GBACC serves its members as the voice of the business community; to promote planned economic growth; to foster community interaction and provide information, leadership, and support to the Bentonville area.
The Chamber is an independent, non-profit business organization representing the Bentonville area. It’s
an organization with more than 1,000 members and is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors that
is representative of the range of businesses among the organization’s membership. The Chamber is
operated by a professional staff, and it is not run by the city, county, or state.
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