President
Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce | Madison
Zach Brandon became president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce in 2012. Under his leadership, the Greater Madison Chamber launched Health Tech Capitol, an effort to support Madison’s health tech sector; acquired Accelerate Madison; and started Pressure Chamber, which helps early-stage companies connect with investors and customers and close successful company rounds. Previously, Brandon was part of the leadership team of three startups and was director of the Wisconsin Angel Network, an early-stage investment organization. Brandon was also previously the vice chair of public policy for the national Angel Capital Association. He served as deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce under former Gov. Jim Doyle and as a Madison alderman from 2003-2008.
Education: Bachelor’s, Kent State University
What would you do if you could choose another career: “Race car driver.”
Favorite Wisconsin destination: “The Royal Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison. It is one of just six Thai pavilions in the world built outside of Thailand.”
First and most recent concert: “First concert: Depeche Mode. Most recent concert: Gypsy Kings.”
Buzzword you never want to hear again: “Synergy.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Real Estate and Development | Economic Development
President
Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce | Madison
Zach Brandon has been at the helm of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce for the past decade. Under Brandon’s leadership, the chamber acquired Accelerate Madison, incorporating the organization as a chamber program focused on highlighting the region’s tech sectors. Previously, Brandon was part of the leadership team of three startups and was director of the Wisconsin Angel Network, an early-stage investment organization. Brandon also served as the vice chair of public policy for the national Angel Capital Association. He served as deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce under former Gov. Jim Doyle and as a Madison alderman from 2003-2008.
Education: Bachelor’s, Kent State University
Hobby/passion: “Bourbon/rye whiskey collecting.”
First car and how long did you have it for: “Chevy Monza Spyder – one year because my parents forced me to sell it due to speeding tickets.”
Career advice: “Alignment over hustle. Aligning your work and network is more important than the hustle.”
First job and what did you learn from it: “Automotive mechanic apprentice. Five things make an engine run: fuel, spark, air, compression, timing – the same that makes an economy work. Fuel is capital, spark is innovation, air is business climate, compression is sector density, timing is market timing.”
