PA Chamber president and CEO Gene Barr announces retirement 

Gene Barr, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, announced Wednesday that he will retire from his decade-long role as leader of the statewide business advocacy group in the second quarter of 2022. 

Barr joined the PA Chamber in 2003 as vice president of government and public affairs before he was elected president in 2011.  

“For the past decade, I’ve been fortunate to not only lead this organization, but to work with its talented staff, dedicated member organizations and our pro-growth allies in state government to create a stronger, more vibrant Commonwealth,” said Barr. “Working together, we’ve enjoyed numerous successes and while more work needs to be done to improve Pennsylvania, I am confident in the chamber’s strong leadership and staff to pave the way forward for continued success.” 

Prior to joining the chamber, Barr worked in government affairs for Harrisburg law firm McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC and was executive director for the Associated Petroleum Industries of PA. 

The PA Chamber has established a search committee to find a replacement for Barr, who will remain with the chamber until his successor is appointed and will assist with the transition.  

Nicholas Bertram, chair of the PA Chamber and president of The Giant Co. will lead the committee, followed by Brion Lieberman, vice chair of the committee and chief human resources officer at Geisinger. 

“We are sincerely grateful to Gene for his decades of service and commitment to the Pennsylvania business community,” said Bertram. “While we are certainly going to miss Gene’s leadership, I’m excited about this opportunity, which comes at a pivotal time, to shape our future. We’ll be seeking someone who not only builds on Gene’s legacy, but an individual who is passionate about the Commonwealth and will boldly lead our business community to the next level.”