Huntington Bank executive Sandy Pierce was named the new chair of the Detroit Economic Club's board of directors on Thursday.

Pierce, a senior executive vice president at the bank and the chair of its Michigan operations, takes over for Gerry Anderson, whose departure as Detroit Economic Club chair coincides with his retirement from DTE Energy.

"What I admire most about the Detroit Economic Club is its focus on making southeast Michigan an even better place to live and do business for everyone," Pierce said in a news release. "The organization brings together leaders passionate about supporting the economic prosperity of our great community and ensuring we’re competitive nationally and globally."

A Detroit native, Pierce also is the chair of Henry Ford Health System Foundation's board of trustees, vice chair of Business Leaders for Michigan and a board member of Penske Automotive Group and American Axle & Manufacturing.

Steve Grigorian, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Club, welcomed Pierce as chair.

"I’m looking forward to working with Sandy, expanding on her years as an active board member,"  Grigorian said.

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Grigorian also thanked Anderson for his service, particularly during the pandemic.

Anderson started as the chair of the Detroit Economic Club in 2017. He worked at DTE for 29 years, and for 11 of those years, he was the company's chairman.

"I want to thank Gerry Anderson for his years of service and leadership to the club, particularly in helping us withstand the months when we could not convene our members in person," Grigorian said.

Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Huntington Bank executive named chair of the Detroit Economic Club