he national search for the Chamber’s new vice president of public strategies culminated with the appointment of Robert L. Bradham, former senior vice president of business development and government affairs for the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce.
Bradham, who joined the Chamber in June, has nearly a decade of experience in government and community relations, as well as experience in the workforce development and public education sectors.
According to Bradham, these are the areas he hopes to begin influencing in Chattanooga.
“In Richmond, our focus has been similar to what I understand the Chattanooga Chamber’s focus has been in regard to community impact,” he said. “I anticipate bringing more business support for K-12 schools and placing an emphasis on early childhood development initiative opportunities.
“Chattanooga has a great and well-qualified workforce, evidenced by Volkswagen locating its new assembly plant here, as well as a variety of other companies. I look forward to continuing to develop a business climate that makes opportunities for growth happen.”
Before joining the Richmond Chamber, Bradham was vice president and director of governmental affairs for the Organization Management Group, one of Virginia’s largest trade association management companies.
In that position, he managed government relations for clients in the real estate and government procurement industries.
Bradham’s service in Virginia included acting as vice chair of the Capital Region Workforce Investment Board, as a member of the Partnership for America’s Economic Success Advisory Board, and as a member of the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Board.
The new Chattanooga Chamber executive holds a B.A. in history with a minor in political science from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA.
Bradham is married to the former Melissa Sherfey, a Chattanooga native. They are the parents of two sons. For a couple of years before the position at the Chamber became available, Bradham said he had been looking for opportunities to move here.
“My original interest came from my wife’s family connection here,” he explained. “Chattanooga is where she grew up and most of her family is still here. Since my first visit to Chattanooga, I always thought it would be an exciting place to live.
I was really captivated by the progressive things going on here that are not happening on the same level in other communities. I mean outdoor activities, local farming and food, the emphasis on arts and culture and downtown redevelopment.
When the job became available, it presented the perfect opportunity for my family and me to move down here.”