The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has found its next president in Brandom Gengelbach, its current executive vice president of economic development, according to an Oct. 17 news release from the chamber. President and CEO Bill Thornton announced he will be retiring, effective July 7, 2020, after leading the chamber for about 20 years. Gengelbach came onto the scene in November 2016, helping lead the chamber's four-year strategic plan, Fortify 2018-2021, according to the news release. Before his entrance to the Fort Worth Chamber, he served as president of the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance in Columbia, Tenn. During his time there, the organization's membership doubled as his leadership brought 2,300 jobs to the county as well as $158 million in capital investment and a 6% reduction in the unemployment rate. Gengelbach also worked for the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, according to the news release.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the chamber and work alongside Fort Worth business leaders and the Fort Worth community,” Gengelbach said in a statement. “Last year, Fort Worth was one of the top three fastest growing cities in the US. I look forward to continuing that momentum and Fortifying Fort Worth.”