138th Annual Meeting 9/25/2026 11:30 AM - 9/25/2026 2:30 PM

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:41:41 GMT

Registration and Networking | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Program | 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Join us for the Greater Raleigh Chamber’s 138th Annual Meeting, our biggest annual gathering of business, civic, and community leaders from across the region.

This year’s luncheon is a chance to celebrate the leadership, momentum, and community partnership that continue to shape Raleigh’s future. We will reflect on the past year, recognize the people making a real difference in our community, and look ahead to the work still in front of us.

This is one of the Chamber’s most anticipated events each year, and early registration is encouraged.

Program highlights include:
- Passing of the Gavel as Kristen M. Hess, Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of HH Architecture, passes leadership to Mitch Perry, Chair-Elect and Chief Financial Officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
- Presentation of the A.E. Finley Distinguished Service Award, one of the Chamber’s highest honors for leadership and service
- Recognition of the progress and accomplishments of the Chamber’s members and partners across the region
- A keynote address from Shane O’Kelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

Featured Keynote Speaker
Shane O’Kelly
President and Chief Executive Officer, Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

As the CEO of one of the Triangle's largest public companies, Shane is leading through challenges and decisions familiar to many business leaders today.

As the leader of a local Fortune 500 company working through a major reset, Shane has had to make hard decisions, restore focus, and keep people aligned through a period of significant change. His message will be grounded in experience and focused on the realities leaders face when the pressure is real.

Attendees can expect a candid look at operational discipline, decision-making under pressure, and what it takes to keep a team moving in the same direction during difficult seasons.

He also brings a leadership background that is broader than many business audiences may realize. A West Point graduate, Harvard MBA, and former U.S. Army infantry officer, Shane has led across retail, distribution, and industrial businesses and now serves at the helm of Advance Auto Parts.

About Shane O’Kelly
Shane O’Kelly has served as Advance Auto Parts President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2023. In that time, he has led the company on a comeback journey with a strategy focused on delivering quality parts and excellent service to both professional and DIY customers.

Shane’s career has taken him across retail, distribution, and industrial businesses. Before his time in business, he spent seven years as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, an experience that shaped his leadership approach.

Prior to joining Advance, Shane was the CEO of HD Supply, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Home Depot, Inc. He also previously served as the CEO of Home Depot Pro, formerly known as Interline Brands, Inc. Shane’s leadership experience also includes serving as CEO of PetroChoice, the nation's largest distributor of lubricants and lubrication solutions, and as CEO of AH Harris, a specialty construction supply distributor. Early in his career, he held other roles at The Home Depot and worked as an engagement manager at McKinsey and Company.

During Shane’s time in the U.S. Army, he graduated from both Airborne and Ranger schools and served as a rifle platoon leader and company commander. He completed numerous deployments with the 1st Cavalry Division and the 325th Airborne.

Shane holds a bachelor’s degree from The United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. He resides with his family in Raleigh, NC.

No refunds after Sept. 18.

Questions?
For questions about the agenda, call 919.664.7037 or email Devin Brown.
For logistics questions and ADA needs, call 919.664.7036 or email Kennedy Wordsworth.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.
For sponsorship opportunities and inquiries, email sales@raleighchamber.org.

Join the conversation on social media!
@raleighchamber
#GRCAnnual26

Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Events Newswire

138th Annual Meeting 9/25/2026 11:30 AM - 9/25/2026 2:30 PM