Tuesday, Jul. 01, 2008

Rawl named S.C. chamber president

Otis Rawl was named today the next president and CEO of the S.C. Chamber of Commerce.

The Lexington native succeeds Hunter Howard, who's retiring Oct. 1 after leading the chamber for 17 years.

Rawl joined the chamber in 2001 as vice president of public policy. He was named chief operating officer in 2004.

Rawl worked with the S.C. Department of Revenue for 23 years, before retiring as the deputy director for revenue and regulatory operations.

"Otis has a unique ability to quickly understand issues vital to the business community and our members," said Jim Micali, the chamber's board chairman and president of Michelin North America.

Rawl was chosen after a national search.

“Every good business has a leadership succession plan designed to ensure effective continuity,” said Harris DeLoach, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Sonoco. “With the elevation of the Chamber's Chief Operating Officer to the position of CEO it demonstrates that we did have a good succession plan in place. Even after a national search and a comprehensive interview of five finalists, Otis Rawl emerged as the compelling choice.”

Hunter said Rawl was one of the most talented people he's worked with: “I’m leaving the chamber with the knowledge that we have found the right person to help our membership and the business community continue to find success in the global marketplace."