Alex Gonzalez was named chief innovation officer for the Metro Atlanta Chamber.  In this newly created role, Gonzalez will lead the Chamber’s work to accelerate metro Atlanta’s innovation ecosystem and serve as an ambassador for the region’s innovation brand locally and nationally. Gonzalez and his team will also work with corporate, entrepreneurial, investor, education, tech and creative leaders to connect and grow innovation capability in the region.
 
“We want to harness metro Atlanta’s innovation across business, technology, creative culture and more to drive continued economic growth across our region,” said Hala Moddelmog, MAC’s president and CEO. “With Alex onboard as our new chief innovation officer, we can accelerate our work to advance the region’s innovation narrative in a way that stretches across industries and disciplines. This new role will also drive a fresh approach to collaboration across departments here at MAC and engagement with partners and corporate leaders, both locally and nationally.”
 
In his new role, Gonzalez will draw on his extensive experience as an author, blogger and speaker on innovation, leadership and culture as well as his 20-plus year, corporate background. As the host, executive producer and creator of the Disruptor Studio, a digital series that features stories of leaders and innovators, his experience in the digital and creative space will be valuable as he works across the Chamber to reach talent and entrepreneurs. Additionally, Gonzalez will drive the momentum of initiatives like Backed by ATL and Innovation Connect, which work to accelerate high-growth scaling tech companies and build robust networks of innovation leaders across the ecosystem, respectively.
 
“Metro Atlanta has an incredible ecosystem that is ripe to nurture innovation in companies from startups to large corporations. Our diversity of talent and incredible universities combined with our tech and creative scenes are the ideal environment for innovation,” said Gonzalez. “I am honored to be able to help cultivate this dynamic ecosystem and tell our story.”
 
In addition to founding Highwire Group where he coaches and advises executives and their companies, Gonzalez is an investor and advisor to early-stage companies. Other previous leadership roles include positions in marketing, operations and Six Sigma at GE and as a senior executive at Equifax where he held a variety of roles including division president and head of strategy and innovation.
 
Gonzalez is active in the community with current and prior board roles on the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Junior Achievement of Georgia, Georgia Soccer and Zoo Atlanta. He is also on the Atlanta American Marketing Association Advisory Board and Georgia State University Marketing Roundtable.