The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber announced this morning it has hired a new CEO: Tom Pierson, the current CEO of the Federal Way Chamber.

The Tacoma nonprofit business organization has been searching for a new CEO since last fall when longtime leader David Graybill retired.

According to the Chamber’s news release, Pierson has led the Federal Way group for eight years and doubled its membership to nearly 500 businesses. The Tacoma group has lost membership, and therefore revenue, during the past few years.

Here’s the Chamber’s announcement:

Tom Pierson will bring his passion for business, problem-solving and collaboration south as the new CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. Currently CEO of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, Pierson will begin work in Tacoma June 27.

Pierson led the Federal Way chamber for eight years, doubling membership to nearly 500 businesses. He created the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition and the Regional Small Business Incubator.

“Tom stood out in a pool of impressive candidates. He is ready to build on the opportunities we have here,” said Toby Murray, chair of the Tacoma Chamber and president of Murray Pacific Corporation. “His experience and collaborative spirit will help our region add jobs and improve support for the business community.”

Pierson will replace interim CEO Mike Hansch, who has led the chamber since David Graybill retired last year.

Under Pierson’s leadership, the Federal Way Chamber received four-star accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce based on financial controls, management and overall performance.

“His references described him as a passionate advocate for business, a likeable leader and relationship builder,” said Murray.

“One of Tom’s greatest strengths is his vision,” said Susan Streifel, President/CEO of Woodstone Credit Union. “He is extremely resourceful. He pulls together what is needed to get things done.”

Pierson’s professional affiliations include the Western Association of Chamber Executives, vice chair of the board; Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives, board member; South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition, board member; and Washington State Chamber – AWB, board member.

Community involvement also is important to Pierson. He is chairman of the Woodstone Credit Union board of directors and serves on the Franciscan Foundation board of trustees. He also has board roles with Communities in Schools of Federal Way, Safe City Federal Way, St. Francis Fellowship, Multi-Service Center, Advancing Leadership, Jobs for South Sound, and Federal Way Boys and Girls Club.

Before joining the Federal Way chamber, Pierson was staff director to Peter von Reichbauer, vice-chair of the Metropolitan King County Council. He also was on von Reichbauer’s staff in the Washington State Senate.

Pierson is an accredited chamber executive. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington State University. He and his family live in east Pierce County.