Adrienne Cole, who led economic development efforts for the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Wake County, is the new CEO of the Chamber. Named to the post Monday, Cole is the first women to lead the Chamber in its 129-year history.

“I’m thrilled & humbled to lead the @raleighchamber,” Cole said via Twitter shortly after the announcement.

“I look forward to working with each of you to move our community forward.”

Coloe had been the Chamber’s senior vice president of Economic Development as well as executive director of Wake County Economic Development.

“Adrienne possesses the expertise to lead the Chamber to accomplish all of our goals,” said Greg Winkler, chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, in the announcement.

“As the first female president of the Chamber, Adrienne will bring a fresh perspective to its 129-year history. Her unique talents and creativity will be a great asset to advance our region.”

Cole has led Wake County Economic Development since January 2014. She also led Raleigh Economic Development from 2004 to 2011. Before taking the Wake position, Cole served as business development director for Lend Lease from 2011 to 2013.

Overall, Cole has spent more than 20 years in business development.

The Chamber noted that it and Wake County had “announced more than 30 corporate relocations and expansions totaling over $250 million in capital investments and creating more than 5,000 new jobs” during her tenure. Cole helped recruit Campbell Law School to Raleigh and worked with Red Hat in its decision to move its headquarters to downtown Raleigh. She also is a member of the board of directors for RDU International Airport.

Cole, who is 45, replaces Tim Giulilani, who resigned in January. She was hired after a nation-wide search, according to the Chamber.

“I’m so excited to serve the community my family and I have called home for many years,” Cole said. “I am very proud to lead the Greater Raleigh Chamber and to continue the tradition of collaboration that makes Raleigh, Wake County, and the Triangle region special.”

Cole, a graduate of Meredith College, earned an MBA in public administration at Appaclachian State.