The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce announced today that it has selected Mark E. Owens as incoming president and CEO. Owens is presently serving as president and chief executive officer of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce in South Carolina.

The executive committee affirmed Owens on Monday afternoon to succeed Gayle Anderson, who will retire at the end of the year. He will formally join the organization in early December.

“Winston-Salem has a rich history of growing and developing homegrown businesses into national brands. I look forward to cultivating the city’s entrepreneurial spirit as we script the next chapter together,” said Owens. “I am humbled and honored to be selected to lead this organization, which has a tremendous legacy and history.”

A strong and innovative leader, Owens surpassed the list of expectations guiding the executive search. He was the unanimous choice of the 17-member search committee, which was co-led by Alan Proctor and Peggy Carter. The committee reviewed more than 230 potential candidates for the position.

“Mark brings strong skill sets and great energy to our community,” said Carter. “He is a collaborator who understands and embraces strong partnerships to drive community goals. He sees great opportunity for Winston-Salem and we are excited to welcome him.”

Owens joined the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce in 2008 as a director of business development, was named vice president in 2012 and president and CEO in 2014. He is a 2007 graduate of Presbyterian College and the United States Chamber Institute for Organizational Management. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Owens was a financial advisor, managing $10 million in assets for individual and business clients. He and his wife Melody recently welcomed their first child, Luke.