Our President

Regina A. Hairston is President and CEO of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE (AACC), the region’s premier Black business advocacy organization. She has made it her top priority to create a wealth-generating system for Black communities in Metropolitan Philadelphia which includes neighboring cities in New Jersey and Delaware. Regina launched two signature programs – Coaching to Capital cohort and a Peership series, to address disparities in Philadelphia’s Black population compared to its share of business ownership. Most notably, Hairston, a former lobbyist, was instrumental in lobbying Philadelphia City Council to take to vote a reduction in the Business Income & Receipts Tax (or BIRT), a double taxation of gross receipts and net income that is among the highest of any major U.S. city.

On the heels of that win, Hairston is setting her sights on hosting the 3rd National Convening of Black Mayors, an initiative she conceived, launched, and hosts annually. The two-day event brings Black mayors from cities across the country to share common challenges but also to discuss strategies that will support the growth and development of Black business ecosystem.

Previously, Hairston served as chief deputy register at the Philadelphia Register of Wills and as senior associate at Bellevue Strategies where she led the team’s response in assisting high-profile global brands with their outreach in building partnerships and relationship repair in the City of Philadelphia.

Hairston has been named one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s Women of Distinction 2022; City and State’s 2023 Power of Diversity: Black 100 List; Philadelphia Magazine’s 2021 Most Influential People in Philadelphia, Philadelphia Business Journal’s Power 100, and Metro Philadelphia’s Power Women list.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Joseph’s University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed a certification in nonprofit administration from the University of Pennsylvania. Hairston received an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Pierce College. She serves as a member of the CHOP Corporate Council and sits on the boards of directors for the Fund for Girard College, the Philadelphia Theatre Company, the City Year Philadelphia, the Johnson Manor of Faith and Education Board, and Natural Lands.