The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has named Southwest Research Institute President and CEO Adam Hamilton chairman of its board of directors for the 2020 term.
Hamilton has been serving as interim chair since July when a CPS Energy official stepped down from the role, citing a conflict of interest.
At Southwest Research Institute, Hamilton leads one of the nation’s largest independent providers of advanced scientific and applied technology solutions. He has been a member of the chamber’s leadership since 2015 and served on several committees.
“I believe the Chamber is a powerful tool that we can use to help our business community thrive while we also serve our community,” Hamilton stated Friday. “We are a fast-growing city in a fast-growing state, and we have a bright future ahead of us. I look forward to helping the business community, through the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, contribute to the next chapter of San Antonio’s growth and prosperity.”
The chairmanship previously was held by CPS Energy CEO Paula Gold-Williams, who as leader of the municipally owned electric and gas utility, said she could no longer serve in that capacity after a business coalition filed a lawsuit against the City of San Antonio over its paid sick leave ordinance.
The chamber also announced Friday that its nominating task force selected Hope Andrade as the 2020 chair-elect. Andrade is a partner with Go Rio Cruises, the San Antonio River barge operator, and also serves as one of three chairs of ConnectSA, a nonprofit formed to create a comprehensive transportation plan for the San Antonio area.
“As a lifelong entrepreneur, I understand firsthand the role that the Chamber must play in order for our business community to thrive,” said Andrade. “San Antonio is at a very important point in its history, and if we are going to continue forward as a truly premier metropolitan area, we must ensure that we are a business-friendly community.”
Andrade previously served as Texas’ 107th Secretary of State, and as commissioner of the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Department of Transportation.
Most recently, Andrade founded and operated businesses, including Go Rio and Andrade-Van de Putte & Associates.
Founded in 1894, the San Antonio Chamber is one of the city’s largest and most prominent business organizations and is one of the multiple chambers of commerce representing business interests in San Antonio.
