SPRINGFIELD — The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has selected Andrew Cripps as its new chief executive officer. 

Cripps has more than 15 years of experience as a chamber of commerce executive. He will assume the CEO role Monday.

In announcing the selection, Board Chairman Joe Marchese said, "Andy's chamber experience and communication skills will be a great asset to this chamber and we are very pleased to have him on board to be a part of the exciting future of Effingham County."

In accepting the position, Cripps said, "The Effingham County Chamber offers a great opportunity for me to work with a dedicated board of directors and a talented group of volunteers, who are all committed to helping local businesses thrive. I am honored to be selected to be part of a chamber and a county that are well prepared for greater success."

Cripps' experience includes tenures as chief executive officer of chambers of commerce in his hometown of Wildwood, N.J., in central Florida, and, most recently, in Isle of Wight County, Va., where he built strong alliances in the business community

Prior to moving to Virginia for family needs, Cripps led a  chamber in Florida's fastest-growing county. Under his leadership, the Sumter County chamber reached record membership levels and saw new events and publications.

The Greater Wildwood Chamber's membership doubled during his tenure and he oversaw the purchase and renovation of the Chamber's first permanent headquarters. He received the State of New Jersey's "Tourism Excellence Award" in 2006 for creating the Wildwood's Fabulous '50s Weekend, a music festival that attracts thousands of classic Rock and Roll fans each fall.

He holds a Master of Arts degree in public relations and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Institute for Organization Management.

Cripps will relocate to Effingham County with his wife, Diane, a history museum curator, and their son, Matthew.

An open-house meet and greet at the Chamber office to welcome Cripps to Effingham will be announced shortly.

The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization focused on business advocacy and sustainable economic growth in our region.

 For more information, stop by the offices at 520 West Third Street in Springfield, call (912)754-3301, or visit www.effinghamcounty.com.