HOUSTON (October 10, 2018) – Gary Wood, who co-founded the Greater Houston Chamber of Commerce and served as its inaugural chair, will step down from that role at the end of his current term on December 31, 2018. Wood will be succeeded by Chamber Co-Founder and Chair-Elect Tammi Wallace. 

Wood and Wallace began developing plans for the Chamber in late 2015 and officially launched the organization in February 2016. Since then the Chamber has grown to more than 100 member companies, including nine corporate partners. The Chamber has hosted dozens of networking and educational events, helped get local companies certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce as LGBT Business Enterprises. 

Wood says while he is stepping down from his day-to-day role running the Chamber he will remain active in bridging corporate relationships for the Chamber and other LGBT nonprofits. He will serve as chair emeritus and work on special projects in addition to helping maintain the Chambers’ ties to corporate partners. “This isn’t a decision I make lightly, but I know that I leave the Chamber in very capable hands,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Chamber in this new role and seeing the organization grow into one of the leading diverse chambers in our region.” 

Wallace said the Chamber and its members are grateful to Wood for his strong commitment to the organization and the LGBT and allied business community. “Over the past four years, Gary has dedicated countless volunteer hours to plan, launch and lead the Chamber.  We would not be where we are today as an organization without Gary's incredible work.  His legacy will forever be part of our history."

Wallace said she looks forward to leading the Chamber at a critical time in its development. "I am honored to serve the Chamber in this new leadership role and I’m eager to continue the work we’ve been doing over the past three years and building on our successes. The LGBT and allied business community is thriving in Houston and we are proud that the Chamber is the catalyst for such a strong and vibrant network.  We are excited about our work ahead as we continue our focus on driving value and business growth for our members and corporate partners."