US Chamber of Commerce officially names Suzanne Clark next CEO

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday appointed Suzanne Clark the pro-business lobbying group’s next chief executive officer, the board of directors announced. 

Clark, who is currently the president of the Chamber, will take over the role from longtime CEO Tom Donohue on March 11, 2021, which is the day of the Chamber’s next board of directors meeting. 

“Suzanne Clark’s extensive experience through ever-increasing responsibilities during her more than 16 years at the Chamber, combined with her ambitious vision and ongoing work to strengthen the U.S. Chamber of Commerce makes her the resounding choice to lead the organization into the future,” Chamber Board Chairman Christopher Lofgren said in a statement.

Clark has been president since June 2019 and Donohue, at the time, said he would stay on for three more years as CEO. Donohue’s intent to leave almost 18 months earlier than previously announced was made public on Friday and Clark was expected to replace him.

A spokesperson said on Friday that the board was “engaged in a rigorous multiyear succession process to name a new CEO.”

Clark previously was the Chamber’s senior executive vice president and has been at the organization since 2014 following a previous stint, from 1997 to 2007, when she was executive vice president and chief operating officer.

“Clark has the deep management experience within the leadership of the U.S. Chamber, and a timely and powerful vision for how the organization can partner with American business to expand the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s global impact and influence for years to come,” Lofgren said.

Clark founded and led the consulting firm Potomac Research Group from 2010 to 2015. Before that, she was president of National Journal from 2007 to 2010.