GREENVILLE, NC - Jonathan G. Taft, principal of Taft Family Ventures, has been named 2021 chair of the board for the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce.  Van Smith, executive vice president of Vidant Medical Center, has been named chair-elect.

“Business leaders who agree to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors share a deep commitment to creating and supporting an environment in which we all can thrive,” said Chamber President Kate Teel.  The visionary guidance our board gives our Chamber partners will continue to be of importance as our businesses and community continues to emerge from the impacts of 2020.”

Taft is a native of Greenville, North Carolina and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, were he graduated with a bachelors degree in Public Policy with a focus no Analysis.  As Principal of Taft Family Ventures, he oversees all current projects that are in the pre-construction, construction, and stabilization phases of development.

Taft will begin his term as chair on January 1, succeeding 2020 chairman Chris Padgett and Smith will serve in 2022.

“This is an important and significant year as we address challenges and opportunities related to our community, economic development, growth and support amid a global pandemic,” said Taft. “We will continue to build strong partnerships and connections to benefit the Pitt County business community for a stronger 2021.”

Newly elected board members include Kris Carroll, Grady-White Boats; Michael Gregory, Hyster-Yale Group; Dr. Virginia Hardy, East Carolina University; Scott Senatore, Vidant Health Foundation; Peter von Stein, Ward & Smith, P.A.; Steve Weathers, Greenville - ENC Alliance; Dr. Shondell Jones, Kinetic Physical Therapy & Wellness; Gregg Green, Great Harvest Bread Company; Brian Barnett, Pitt County; Aileen Peacock, Rock Springs Center.

To view the complete list of the 2021 Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, click here.

The Chamber’s Annual Membership Celebration will be held in March with a theme “A Year of Resilience.”  The gavel will officially pass from Padgett to Taft at this event and annual awards will also be presented.