Former Columbus Chamber of Commerce president dies

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Don DePerro, the former president and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, has died, the chamber announced in a statement Sunday.

DePerro became president of the chamber in 2016, and served 31 years as president and publisher for American City Business Journals, publisher of Columbus Business First, according to his LinkedIn page.

Circumstances surrounding DePerro's death are not known at this time.

Columbus Chamber of Commerce President Derrick Clay's full statement is below:

It is with profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Don DePerro, our former President & CEO. Don was a visionary leader whose passion and dedication profoundly shaped the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and the greater Columbus Region. 

During his tenure, Don spearheaded transformative initiatives that strengthened the Chamber’s mission and championed economic growth for our business community. His ability to bring people together, advocate for businesses, and lead with integrity left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire us all. 

On a personal level, Don’s unwavering commitment, generosity, and faith were hallmarks of his character. He was a mentor and friend to many, and his impact extended far beyond the Chamber, touching countless lives in our region. 

As we mourn this significant loss, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Don’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know him. We will share details about arrangements or opportunities to honor Don’s memory as they become available. 

Let us come together as a community to celebrate his life and contributions.