As CEO of one of the largest chambers in the greater Washington region, Leone will be responsible for leading the chambers efforts on relevant business issues such as economic development, transportation, land-use policy and local regulation. Founded in 1906 and representing the interests of nearly 800 organizations that employ more than 49,000 people, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce works with partners city-wide to help the business community.

We are thrilled to have Tina join the chamber to represent the interests of our members with local and regional policy makers, said M. Catharine Puskar, chairman of the board of directors. Her visionary leadership, financial expertise and collaborative approach will benefit the Alexandria business community and we are excited to have her as our new president and CEO.

Leone, an Alexandria resident, has more than 17 years of consulting and financial experience. As the head of The Lorton Arts Foundation, Leone provided leadership for the start-up organization and transformed that vision into a cultural community that now hosts more than 100 artists at the Workhouse Arts Center at Lorton. She also secured diverse financial support from corporations, major individual donors, federal, state and local governments, as well as national and regional foundations.

Leone has a masters degree from George Washington University and a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Scranton.

I am honored to serve and support the livelihood of businesses in my home town, Leone said. This is an extraordinary opportunity to create positive change for the betterment of our community, especially during this challenging economic environment.