Sonny Deriso tapped as new Georgia Chamber of Commerce chairman

ATLANTA – The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is has announced that former Albanian Sonny Deriso is now serving as this year’s chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

Deriso is also the newest member of the state chamber’s executive committee and brings many years of business leadership experience to the chamber team.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve as the 2019 chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce,” Deriso said. “Being a member of the board of directors for over 20 years, this opportunity hits right at home. I plan to continue supporting the chamber as we focus on the businesses from corner to corner around the state, working closer with (Chamber President and CEO) Chris (Clark) as he focuses on bettering Georgians is most fulfilling.”

Deriso is chairman and director of Atlantic Capital Bancshares Inc. and Atlantic Capital Bank in Atlanta.

“Atlantic Capital is pleased that Sonny Deriso, its board chairman and one of Georgia’s most distinguished business leaders, has been elected chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce for 2019,” Atlantic Capital Bancshares President and CEO Douglas Williams said. “We look forward to a productive year for the Georgia chamber under Sonny’s leadership.”

Having formerly been in law practice and banking within the Albany area, Deriso serves on multiple boards and represents the state in various leadership roles. “Atlanta Business Chronicle” listed Deriso among their 100 Most Influential Atlantans in 2011 and was also recognized as a Most Admired CEO in 2017.

“We are thrilled to have Sonny lead our organization in 2019,” Clark said. “Sonny is a true servant leader and a dedicated addition to our chamber board and executive committee. Sonny understands the issues facing rural Georgia, as well as the issues important to urban and suburban areas across the state.”