Zach Brandon, who has headed the Wisconsin Technology Council’s Wisconsin Angel Network since early 2011, will become president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce effective Nov. 26.
The announcement was made Thursday following approval of Brandon’s hiring by the Chamber’s board of directors.
“We’re sad to lose Zach at the Tech Council, but we’re thrilled that he will bring the same passion for entrepreneurship, innovation and capital formation strategy to the Madison Chamber,” said Tom Still, president of the Tech Council.
Brandon replaces Jennifer Alexander, who is retiring after nearly nine years as Chamber president. His background includes serving as deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, a three-term member of the Madison City Council, and launching and managing three startup businesses over time.
As director of the Tech Council’s Angel Network, Brandon worked with angel groups and other private equity investors to better connect them with entrepreneurs across Wisconsin. He was also involved in other Tech Council projects, including its major conferences, the Governor’s Business Plan Contest, public engagement and policy reports, such as “The future is now: Four strategies for Wisconsin’s high-growth economy.” That biennial report was issued earlier this month. Its recommendations included passage of a state-leveraged, early stage capital program.
“We’re looking forward to beginning a hiring process that will build upon the strength of our programs and our overall policy agenda,” said Mark Bugher, chairman of the Tech Council.
Created in 2001, the Tech Council is an independent, non-profit advisory board to state government and a catalyst for tech-based economic development. Its 50 board members represent entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, educators, service experts and more.
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