The Greater Washington Board of Trade Thursday named James Dinegar, chief operating offices of the American Institute for Architects, its new president and chief executive officer.
Dinegar replaces Robert Peck, who resigned last year. He pledged not to radically change the direction of the board, but build on current successes.
“This organization has … great bones. And you build on that, and you strengthen the structure and take it to the next level,” he said. “The solid foundation that we enjoy in this organization needs to be built upon, not changed dramatically.”
The board works to attract new businesses to the Washington region, and create new business opportunities for its 1,100 member companies. Dinegar said he would work to increase the visibility of the board with area businesses and would seek out collaborations with other business groups and the DC Chamber of Commerce. He said he wanted to make the board a “stronger, more effective advocate” for Washington businesses.
Creating affordable housing will also be a focus of the board. The lack of affordable housing is making it hard for some employers to find workers to come to the region, Dinegar said.
“Affordable housing is an issue for the Greater Washington Board of Trade,” he said. “You have to have a workforce that can afford to live where the work is being done.”
Finally, Dinegar said he would work to improve education in the District.
“You have to have a solid core. You have a very vibrant and sustainable core and build around that,” he said.
Patricia McGuire, president of Trinity University Washington, chaired the selection committee. She said Dinegar was the best of the more than 225 candidates considered.
“We have foundthe best leader and the next leader of the Greater Washington Board of Trade,” she said.
