Deborah Yedlin chosen as new head of Calgary Chamber of Commerce

Longtime business commentator and journalist Deborah Yedlin has been appointed as president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

Yedlin will take the reins of the organization on July 5, the chamber said in a release on Thursday.

"We are delighted to welcome Deborah as the new leader of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce," said Brent Cooper, chair of the chamber's board of directors.

"After a thorough selection process, Deborah stood out among several qualified candidates, and will bring to the role a strong understanding of Calgary business, policy and politics at all levels of government, and a commitment to improving the Calgary community."

Yedlin worked for many years as a journalist, writing for the Financial Post, Globe and Mail and Calgary Herald. She has also been a regular commentator for CBC Radio and Television and CTV since 1996.

She became chancellor of the University of Calgary in 2018, a post she will retain.

"I believe in this city and I believe in its potential, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to play a role in its economic recovery," said Yedlin.

"I am excited to serve the business community at such a critical moment, and look forward to building on the chamber's 130-year history of supporting and growing the business community."