The JAX Chamber board of directors this morning selected John Peyton as its 2018 chamber chair.
Peyton, a former mayor and current president of Gate Petroleum Co., sits on the board and will begin as chair-elect in 2017.
“In the ever-expanding global marketplace, we must continue to aggressively tell Jacksonville’s story around the world,” Peyton said in a statement.
“With business-friendly governments, low tax burden, a great quality of life and top-notch transportation infrastructure, Jacksonville continues to be a prime location for companies to relocate and grow,” he continued. “I look forward to being a part of the continued economic growth in our city and working with businesses to expand and invest in Jacksonville.”
As chair-elect next year, Peyton will lead the 2017 Leadership Trip and the chamber’s board of governors, which is a group of business leaders that implement policy and priorities set by the board of directors.
Darnell Smith, North Florida president for Florida Blue, is chair-elect this year and begins as chair of the board of directors next year.
Audrey Moran, senior vice president for social responsibility and community advocacy at Baptist Health, is the current chair.
During his time as mayor, Peyton focused on programs and policies that helped improve quality of life for Jacksonville residents.
That included creating the Jacksonville Journey anti-crime initiative along with recruiting companies to the city and working with the chamber’s economic development arm, JAXUSA Partnership.
Peyton is a graduate of Mercer University and the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program.
He also is former chair of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
Smith said the community is fortunate to “have passionate leaders like John Peyton who have dedicated their time and energy to serving our city and who continue to answer the call.”