FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 1, 2026 

The Chatham Chamber is pleased to announce Ian D. Scott as its new Government Affairs Director, strengthening the organization’s ability to advocate for local businesses and support smart, strategic growth across Chatham County.

Scott joins the Chatham Chamber as a Government Affairs and Strategic Communications Consultant, bringing more than 20 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, and chamber leadership. In this role, he will lead the Chamber’s government affairs strategy, working alongside business leaders and public officials to advance priorities that support a thriving local economy.

This engagement reflects a collaborative, regional approach. In addition to his work with The Chatham Chamber, Scott also serves as a shared consultant with the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties and the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro. This model strengthens access to shared knowledge, deep expertise, and credible, real-time information across the Triangle on key issues such as infrastructure, housing, and economic competitiveness, while ensuring Chatham County businesses have a strong and informed voice at the table.

“Ian brings a rare combination of experience, credibility, and relationship-building that will serve our members and our community well,” said Rebecca Dickenson, President & CEO of The Chatham Chamber. “As Chatham continues to grow, it’s more important than ever that our business community is informed, represented, and connected to the decisions shaping our future. Ian helps us do exactly that.”

A North Carolina native and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Scott began his career with the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai before going on to serve in leadership roles across the country.

He spent nearly a decade with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), where he led national communications and membership initiatives and helped shape conversations around economic development and public policy. He later served as Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the Charleston Metro Chamber, where he built a regional advocacy program across ten local governments and played a key role in securing a landmark state roads funding bill.

As President & CEO of the Beaufort Regional Chamber, Scott led a full organizational transformation, delivering three consecutive profitable years and 37 percent revenue growth. His leadership helped launch a public-private partnership that raised $180,000 to advance redevelopment of a 114-acre former Naval Hospital site, earning recognition as the 2022 Outstanding Small Chamber of the Year by the Carolinas Association of Chamber Executives.

Most recently, Scott served as Vice President of Advocacy for the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, where he led a multi-stakeholder effort to secure an extension of water and sewer infrastructure in Chapel Hill - an outcome with significant implications for housing and regional growth.

“I’m honored to partner with The Chatham Chamber at such an important time,” said Scott. “Chatham County is one of the most dynamic and opportunity-rich areas in North Carolina. I look forward to working with local leaders to support policies and partnerships that help businesses succeed and strengthen the community as a whole.”

Scott is widely recognized for his ability to build trust with elected officials, align stakeholders around shared priorities, and translate complex policy issues into clear, actionable strategies.

With this addition, The Chatham Chamber continues to expand its role as a trusted convener and advocate, ensuring that local businesses have both a voice and a seat at the table as Chatham County grows. 

About The Chatham Chamber of Commerce
The Chatham Chamber of Commerce enables members to discover new opportunities to grow their businesses while also supporting and strengthening the community. As the county’s largest and longest-standing business organization, we connect local business leaders to what matters most: relationships, insights, and opportunities.

Media Contact:
Rebecca Dickenson
President & CEO, The Chatham Chamber
919-771-7530 | rebecca@chathamchambernc.org | www.chathamchambernc.org