Robin Walton, Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Chief Philanthropy Officer at Inspira Health, was elected Thursday night as chair of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) during its annual meeting in Cherry Hill.
Walton’s appointment makes history. She becomes the fourth woman and the first person of color to hold this prestigious position in the organization’s 151-year history.
Walton has previously held several leadership roles; with over 14 years of involvement in CCSNJ, she helped shape the direction of the organization.
She will serve a two-year term beginning January 1, 2025.
Christina Renna, President and CEO of CCSNJ, expressed excitement about working with Walton in her new capacity.
Walton is seen as someone who has continuously contributed to guiding the organization and advancing its mission for the regional community, having served in leadership positions for over a decade.
The event, attended by more than 300 members, also included the introduction of eight new board members.
In addition, the Chamber announced the relaunch of the South Jersey Chamber Foundation and EmpowerU, a partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey to offer professional development programs.
During the meeting, CCSNJ revealed impressive membership statistics, including adding over 200 new members in 2024.
This brought the number of member companies to more than 1,200, with the Chamber maintaining a retention rate of around 90%.
The organization also hosted 94 in-person events, which attracted approximately 7,000 participants, reflecting a notable increase from the previous year.
Joseph Devine, former CCSNJ Board Chair and chair of the Nominating Committee, praised Walton’s leadership on the executive committee during her tenure.
Walton played a key role during a time of significant change for the organization, including navigating leadership transitions and the challenges of the pandemic.
Her vision helped shape the organization’s strategic plan and work around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).
Over half of the board’s directors are female or ethnically diverse, with Walton’s election further emphasizing the organization’s dedication to inclusive leadership in the region.
