FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, January 12, 2026
Contact: Astrid Gutierrez avargas@pwchamber.org
President and CEO Robert Sweeney Announces Departure, Kristi Black Joins Chamber as Director of Government Affairs
Black Joins Chamber After Serving With Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger
MANASSAS, VA – The Prince William Chamber of Commerce today announced that Robert (Bob) Sweeney will be stepping down as President and CEO to pursue a new professional opportunity. The Chamber is also announcing today the addition of Kristi Black as its new Director of Government Affairs, who joins the organization after seven years working for Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger.
“Serving as President and CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional career,” said Bob Sweeney. “I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together, strengthening the Chamber’s voice in public policy, expanding its impact across economic development and workforce issues, and positioning the organization for long-term relevance and success in a rapidly changing region. As I move on to a new global business opportunity, I will always be indebted to the Chamber and its members for the chance to serve this community and work alongside so many dedicated leaders, volunteers, and staff.”
Specifically, Mr. Sweeney has chosen not to renew his contract, however, he will remain on staff for some time to assist with the transition to the Chamber’s next leader. The Chamber Board of Directors voted today to create a search committee to lead the process of identifying a new President and CEO.
“The Chamber is grateful for Bob’s three years of service to the organization, and we wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Ross Snare, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Over the past three years we have grown in revenue, membership, networking opportunities, and most importantly relevance. Bob leaves the Chamber in a stronger position, and we are confident about our ability to support the business community well in Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park.”
In November 2022, Sweeney took the helm of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. Before joining the Chamber, he worked at the American University’s Kogod School of Business and led the effort to position Kogod as a leading business school focused on the study of the Greater Washington economy. In 2017 he was appointed as the Managing Director for the Washington DC Global Cities Initiative, a partnership between The Brookings Institute and the City of Washington D.C. Sweeney is most widely known as the first-ever President and CEO of the Greater Washington Sports Alliance, which led to Mayor Vince Gray appointing him in 2012 as the Founding CEO of the 2024 Greater Washington DC Olympic Bid.
Since 2018, Kristi Black has worked in various capacities for Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger, from District Director for then-Congresswoman Spanberger to various positions on several of her campaigns. Before her time with Spanberger, Black was a business owner and operator of a small bakery in Bristow that served Northern Virginia companies, nonprofits, and families for nearly six years. Black is also a long-time military spouse who has lived in eight different duty stations, but settled in Prince William County in 2014. Black studied Human Resource Management and Accounting in college, and started her career as a human resources specialist.
“It is an honor to join the Prince William Chamber of Commerce to ensure that my community’s economy continues to thrive and grow,” said Kristi Black. “I look forward to leveraging my professional experience to advocate for the businesses in Prince William County and support policies and initiatives that promote their success.”
“Kristi Black joins the Chamber during an important time for the economies of Prince William County and Virginia,” said Chairman Snare. “Emerging industries, like healthcare and technology, are navigating AI disruption and this region’s reliance on the federal government is being put to the test. Our Chamber intends to aggressively advocate for pro-business state and local policies that ensure that our business community continues to succeed in the midst of change.
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About the Prince William Chamber of Commerce: The Prince William Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice for the business community in the Prince William region. Representing nearly 125,000 employees through our diverse membership, we work to create an environment where both businesses and people can thrive. Through initiatives focused on economic development, advocacy, education, and community engagement, we are helping shape a vibrant and prosperous future for our region. To learn more, visit www.pwchamber.org or call 703-368-6600.
