Mobile Chamber COO Bob Chappelle Announces Retirement After 21+ Years of Service

The Mobile Chamber announced the end of an era with the upcoming retirement of Chief Operating Officer Bob Chappelle, who’s been with the organization for more than two decades.

“On behalf of the Mobile Chamber, I thank Bob for his outstanding service and his consistent and continuous dedication to this organization,” said Bradley Byrne, president and CEO of the Mobile Chamber. “Bob’s passion for the Chamber’s mission and his efforts on behalf of the business community have made a lasting impact, and he will be missed by our members and staff.”

Chappelle, in a letter announcing his retirement to Chamber staff, said “After 21 years, I have made the decision to move to another chapter.  When I joined the staff, after serving on the board, I said, ‘I was looking forward to working behind the curtain.’ It’s been a great run, but it’s time to return to the audience.”

Chappelle joined the Chamber staff in March 2001 as executive vice president and was later promoted to chief operating officer. He previously has served interim roles in economic development, small business development and community and governmental affairs. Last fall, he was named the Chamber’s interim president and CEO, a position he held until Byrne joined the Chamber in June.

Among many other achievements, Chappelle served as staff lead on five Partners for Growth campaigns, providing the organization more than $30 million to fund the Chamber’s work in economic development. He also oversaw 21 total resource campaigns amounting to more than $33 million in Chamber resources. Chappelle played a lead role in setting the strategic agenda for 21 inter-city, Leaders Exchange visits, bringing numerous ideas, programming and investments back to Mobile.

“All great organizations have people who are focused on facilitating success through others, therefore assuring the success of the collective whole,” said Chamber Chairman Matt White. “Bob enthusiastically served in multiple roles in his 21 years of service for the Chamber of Commerce, with the full support of his wife, Helen.  I look forward to hearing about Bob’s next chapter of service in the community when he begins it.”

Chappelle serves on the board of the Downtown Mobile Alliance and on the Mobile Human Relations Commission. He is a past president of the Rotary Club of Mobile and presently serves as the Club’s permanent secretary.  He is a graduate of Leadership Alabama, Leadership Mobile and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Alabama. He earned a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation, which is the only national certification for Chamber professionals, from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in 2008.

Chappelle’s retirement is effective February 1, 2023.