[The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors April 13, announced](https://columbiachamber-ny.com/) the selection of William Gerlach as the chamber's new President and CEO. According to a statement released by the board, Gerlach is "an experienced professional and Columbia County native who has been entrenched in the local business community. In the past, he served in various leadership roles  of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce including its Board of Directors and numerous  committees." Most recently, Gerlach worked as a sales executive for Marshall and Sterling Insurance. With his background, Gerlach brings experience in business development,  commercial lending, and relationship management. He is also a former local small business owner. “Mr. Gerlach’s qualifications, leadership, enthusiasm and understanding of the greater Columbia County area were the deciding factors for the Chamber in undertaking its selection" said Derick H. LaTorre, Board Chairperson. “Mr. Gerlach is certain to be an outstanding advocate for our members with his unique skill set and commitment to our greater community.” Gerlach said, “Through the years this organization has played such a significant  role in every stage of my career and I am so very thankful to have this opportunity to give back  to this very important business organization.” Gerlach succeeds [Jeffrey Hunt, who served in the position from mid-2016 until November 2020](https://wavefarm.org/radio/wgxc/newsroom/1py38v). Hunt and the chamber parted ways after the board of directors said it was made aware of certain financial irregularities; however, board members never divulged the nature of those alleged irregularities. [Read more at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce website](https://columbiachamber-ny.com/).