JAX CHAMBER PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Ashley Folladori, (904) 366-6684,?afolladori@jaxchamber.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. September 22, 2025 — The JAX Chamber has unanimously selected Abel Harding to serve as the organization’s Chair-Elect for 2026. In this position, Harding will collaborate with 2026 Chair Misty Skipper of GATE Petroleum Company and JAX Chamber President & CEO Daniel Davis over the coming year to shape strategic priorities and enhance member value across the Chamber and its affiliated programs.
Harding currently works as a Financial Advisor and Area Manager for Pinnacle Financial Partners, where he plays a key role in leading the firm's growth and client relationships in Jacksonville. He has served on the JAX Chamber Board of Directors for several years. He has previously been the chair of JAXUSA Partnership, the economic development arm of the Chamber, as well as the past chair of JAXBIZ, the Chamber's nonpartisan political committee.
In addition to his involvement with the JAX Chamber, Harding has held numerous leadership positions in the community, including roles with Leadership Jacksonville, The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.
“Abel is a respected leader in Jacksonville’s business community,” said Davis. “His focus on entrepreneurship, talent development, and growth fits with our mission and will benefit our members and the region.”
As a longstanding business and civic leader in Jacksonville, Harding has actively engaged with the Chamber for years, contributing to initiatives that enhance small business development, workforce improvement, and regional competitiveness. As Chair-Elect, he will help set the Chamber’s policy agenda, advance strategic initiatives across councils and programs, and promote collaboration with both public and private sector partners.
“I am honored to serve as Chair-Elect and to support the Chamber’s efforts to make Jacksonville the best place to start and grow a business,” said Harding. “We have tremendous momentum—from downtown investment and talent development to innovation and targeted industry growth—and I look forward to working with our members to continue this progress.”
“Abel exemplifies the kind of engaged, action-driven leadership that reflects the Chamber’s values and vision,” said Skipper. “His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses of all sizes makes him a powerful advocate for our members and a dynamic leader for our community. I look forward to serving alongside Abel as we work to continue moving Jacksonville forward.”
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About JAX Chamber
The?JAX Chamber?is the business membership organization dedicated to driving quality economic growth in Northeast Florida to make this region the best place to live, work and play. Membership provides the opportunity to connect with and buy from other Chamber members. The connections result in business growth and a more prosperous economy.?