COLUMBUS, OH - Shumaker Advisors congratulates Derrick R. Clay on his new appointment as President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. He will assume the role on January 6, 2025. Derrick’s proven dedication to the Columbus community and his unparalleled experience in government affairs make this a tremendous step forward for the Chamber.
“We are excited to see Derrick take on this influential role, even though we will deeply miss his insight and leadership at Shumaker Advisors,” said Andy Herf, President of Shumaker Advisors. “His impact within our firm and across Ohio has been remarkable, and we are excited to see the transformative impact he will bring to the Chamber and the Columbus Region’s business community.”
Derrick joined Shumaker Advisors in 2022 as Senior Vice President, where his work bolstered the firm’s community engagement and government relations. His tenure with Shumaker was another chapter in a distinguished career marked by strong leadership and commitment to public service.
“Derrick has been an invaluable member of our Shumaker Advisors team over the last few years. Talented people will always have great opportunities, and Derrick’s new position with the Columbus Chamber is too good to pass up. We’ll be rooting hard for his success at the Columbus Chamber,” shared Mark Wagoner, Chairman of Shumaker Advisors.
Before joining Shumaker Advisors, Derrick spent nearly two decades with New Visions Group, a government relations and lobbying firm. He began there as Vice President and Partner in 2004 and ascended to CEO in 2014 after acquiring the firm, driving its growth and deepening its influence in Ohio and the Midwest.
Derrick’s career in public service spans a variety of impactful roles, including Midwest Political Director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Ohio State Director for the Gore-Lieberman 2000 Presidential Campaign. He was also part of the historic Florida Recount and served as Executive Director of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC). Derrick’s breadth of experience and extensive connections make him uniquely qualified to lead the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, helping the business community thrive.
Reflecting on his time at Shumaker Advisors, Derrick expressed gratitude for the support and camaraderie he experienced with the team. “My tenure at Shumaker Advisors has been incredibly rewarding. I am grateful to have been part of such a talented and committed group and I am proud of what we achieved together. I look forward to supporting the firm’s work as a continued advocate and partner to the Columbus business community.”
As Derrick embarks on this new chapter, Shumaker Advisors wishes him the very best and looks forward to supporting him in his endeavors to enhance and empower Columbus’s vibrant business landscape.