Neal Andrew, president of Andrew Consulting Engineers, will serve as the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s board chair this year. Seven new members also joined the group’s board of directors, according to a recent announcement.
 
“I’m optimistic about continued business growth in Wilmington and the role our chamber plays to advocate for business-friendly policies at the local, state, and federal levels that lead to economic prosperity for all who live here,” Andrew said in a news release. “In 2022, the chamber will be focused on business retention and expansion work for small businesses, talent, and workforce development programs, and advocating for the much-needed infrastructure projects in our community, including a replacement for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.”
 
Andrew has served on the chamber’s board since 2016, and his company has been a chamber member since 2004, officials said.
 
“Neal’s work as a board member has already propelled our chamber to be more effective and efficient. He has helped us identify new resources and recruit new members to help us operate a more robust, strategic, and successful organization. Neal is also an asset to our advocacy efforts with his extensive knowledge of coastal issues,” Natalie English, chamber president and CEO, said in the release.
 
Michele Holbrook, capital program manager for Corning Inc., moves to the board’s position of immediate past chair. New executive committee members this year are Jim Hundley Jr. (left), executive vice president of Thomas Construction Group, as board treasurer and Lily Loizeaux (right), GE Hitachi’s human resources leader, as personnel committee chair.
  
New board members who began their terms Jan. 1 are: 
            • Mike Brown, vice president of brokerage development services at Cape Fear Commercial;
            • Livian Jones, director of business strategy at SGA/Narmour Wright Design;
            • Rob Kaiser, Greater Wilmington Business Journal publisher;
            • Denise Kinney, vice president-general manager at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage;
            • Anthony Parnell, GE Aviation senior human resources manager;
            • Gustavo Rodea, Mattress & Furniture Liquidators owner; and
            • Dane Scalise, general counsel and insurance broker at GriffinEstep Benefit Group.