The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce’s President & CEO, Tim Giuliani, announced Kamal I. Latham has been selected as Vice President of Public Policy to lead the Chamber’s efforts in advocating for the business community. Latham will start his responsibilities immediately.
“The Chamber is increasing its efforts in representing the interests of our local businesses and creating a vibrant economy,” Giuliani said. “Kamal’s leadership, expertise, and vast experience will immediately strengthen our efforts in representing our local business interests and help lead our Chamber and business community forward.”
The Chamber has been making a significant impact on local business issues in recent months and, with the help of its Public Policy Committee, has created groups of business leaders to address community concerns, including transportation and energy solutions. Latham will continue to build collaboration through the Business Community Coalition, which is comprised of the Chamber, Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors (GACAR) and the Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF). Along with GACAR and BANCF, the Chamber is committed to promoting public policy that addresses the needs of the community by respecting the environment and encouraging economic growth and development.
“The Chamber continues to provide opportunities for our local businesses to grow, and in order to do so, all aspects of growing our economy must be addressed,” said Mitch Glaeser, Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors and Vice President of The Emory Group. “By welcoming Kamal I. Latham to our Chamber team, we are gaining a leader with the knowledge and expertise to work with elected officials and our business leaders to grow a successful economy.”
Latham has resided in Gainesville for over a year and has run his own business as President of Diplomatic Treatment Corporate Consulting, LLC for the last four years, specializing in China business development through engagement strategies promoting revenue generating or relationship building solutions. Latham served as Deputy Executive Director for the U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program at the American Chamber of Commerce in China from 2010-2011.
Prior to that role, Latham was appointed by President Clinton in 2000 and re-appointed by President Bush in 2004 as a career diplomat with the U.S. Department of State. In this capacity, he advanced U.S. economic interests overseas and helped negotiate an air services rights agreement, which was estimated to stimulate $5 billion in new business for U.S. carriers over five years. He was awarded a Meritorious Honor Award from the U.S. Department of State for his efforts.
“It is an honor and privilege to join the Chamber’s team of talented professionals and I look forward to contributing to the Chamber’s future success,” said Latham.
Latham received a Master in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2000 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history from Temple University in 1996.
Latham and his wife Jonnel have two children.
