FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 4/27/2023
Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Hires New President/CEO
Mount Airy, NC: Today, the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce announced that John Pynakker has been hired as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. Pynakker will begin his employment on Monday, June 5, 2023. Steve Yokeley has been filling the role in an interim position since February 2023.
“I am thrilled and excited to welcome John Pynakker to Mount Airy as the new President/CEO of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce,” said Lenise Lynch, chairwoman of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “We received a good amount of qualified candidates in the search for President/CEO. Among those candidates, John Pynakker was the ideal choice. He brings decades of diverse experience in working with organizations dedicated to moving communities and individuals forward.
“With his exceptional background and experience, he is uniquely positioned to represent the majority of businesses in Mount Airy and the surrounding areas. John possesses the qualifications and expertise to grow the Chamber into an even greater more successful organization, creating a lasting impact on our area. Thank you to Arevo and the Chamber Executive Committee for their hard work in finding the best candidate for the position,” said Lynch.
Pynakker, a native to Wisconsin, and current resident of Bullhead City, Arizona, has visited the Surry County area previously and took a liking to it. John stated, “I am very excited about the opportunity to join the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. I want to thank the Executive Board for their trust in me and my family and I look forward to living and thriving in the Mount Airy community. We have been to the area a few times and are excited to raise our children in such a friendly, beautiful city.”
As the new President & CEO, Pynakker will bring to the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce extensive experience as an entrepreneur, a Chamber leader, and military veteran. Some notable leaderships positions previously held by of Pynakker include:
- President & CEO of Bullhead City Area Chamber of Commerce (four years)
- Owner/Operator of Travel Network (nine years)
- Chamber of Commerce member
- Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors member
- US Army
When asked about his new role with the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, Pynakker stated, “The Chamber is already in great shape thanks to the board and staff, but I will be out meeting members of the community to find out what else they would like to see the Chamber do for them. If you are a member, I will see you soon. If you are not, then I will also see you soon!”
Pynakker has an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from American Intercontinental University, graduating in 2006. During his time at the Bullhead City Chamber of Commerce, Pynakker oversaw excellent improvements in multiple areas including finance, membership, event attendance, and public relations.
Once Pynakker arrives and settles into his new role, the Chamber will host a Meet and Greet so the community, Chamber members, and local leaders can welcome him. More details on that event will be released shortly after his arrival in June.
About the Chamber: The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization composed of members (businesses, non-profits, individuals) focused on meeting the needs of the local business community. The organization has a mission to “advance, promote, and encourage successful business growth for our members,” and strives to be “the recognized business advocate for the greater Surry County region.” More information about the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce can be found at www.mtairyncchamber.org.