In a significant leadership transition, Pat Frost has been appointed as the interim President and CEO of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, effective December 2, 2026. This change comes as Jeff Webster, the current President and CEO, prepares for his retirement on December 1, 2026, after a three-year tenure. The Chamber's Board of Directors unanimously selected Frost, who previously served as the 2025 Chairman of the Greater Chamber, during their August 31 board meeting, according to the San Antonio Chamber News.
Frost's extensive experience includes a four-decade career at Frost Bank, where he served as President until his retirement in 2023. Under his leadership, Frost Bank grew to become one of the nation’s 50 largest banks, with approximately $48 billion in assets. Frost is also well-known for his community involvement, having served on more than 40 nonprofit boards and chaired numerous organizations, including the NCAA Men’s Final Four Local Organizing Committee and the Valero Alamo Bowl.
In other developments, the Greater San Antonio Chamber and the Metro SA Chamber are advancing efforts to formalize a partnership. Both chambers' executive boards have unanimously voted to create a joint committee to explore this initiative, which aims to strengthen the voice of the business community in the region. Paul Basaldua, board chair of the Metro SA Chamber, emphasized the importance of coming together to advocate for San Antonio and encourage investment, as reported by the San Antonio Chamber News.
Meanwhile, the Greater San Antonio Chamber is actively working to connect small businesses with larger economic opportunities. The 'Doing Business in San Antonio' event facilitated connections between small businesses and the region's major economic drivers, offering significant contracting opportunities. This initiative reflects the Chamber's ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth, according to the San Antonio Chamber News.
Additionally, the Chamber, in collaboration with the City of San Antonio, is encouraging college students to remain in the city post-graduation. The 'Stay in SA' event, held on July 30 in recognition of National Intern Day, provided local college students with the opportunity to explore career paths, build professional connections, and enhance their job-search skills. This initiative aims to retain talent within the city and strengthen San Antonio's workforce, as detailed in the San Antonio Chamber News.
Furthermore, the Chamber recently hosted a private meeting with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and local business leaders to discuss the state’s economic outlook and major policy issues. This meeting underscores the Chamber's role in facilitating dialogue between government officials and the business community, as reported by the San Antonio Chamber News.
Lastly, the Chamber celebrated several milestones, including the grand reopening of the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Guilbeau Road and the ribbon-cutting of Methodist Healthcare's newest hospital in the South Texas Medical Center. These events highlight the ongoing development and investment in the region, contributing to San Antonio's economic vitality.