Panama, February 13, 2025. The American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama (AmCham Panamá) held the installation ceremony for its new president, Niurka Montero, and her Board of Directors for 2025. The event took place at the Hotel Bristol Panamá with the participation of members, special guests, representatives of the national government and the media. The evening’s program included remarks by H.E. Julio Moltó, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Panama, and Mr. Timothy Cannon, Commercial Affairs Counselor at the Embassy of the United States in Panama.

Niurka is General Manager of Dell Technologies Panamá. She began her career at Dell Technologies in 2004, leading the transition of corporate sales from Austin, Texas, United States, to Panama. She is an electronic engineer with more than 20 years of experience leading teams and developing business strategies at several multinational companies with regional responsibilities. She is passionate about STEM careers and the opportunities they open for in-demand jobs in the technology industry, as well as about gender equality. She takes part in programs that promote the development and mentoring of the next generation of leaders and of STEM studies, with a focus on diversity and female talent.

During the ceremony, the outgoing president, Jean Pierre de Roux, said: “It is a pleasure for me to welcome our new president of AmCham Panamá, Niurka Montero, and her entire board of directors for 2025. I take this opportunity to thank the entire team that worked alongside me this year and made the achievements we reached possible.” De Roux added: “Undoubtedly, 2024 was a challenging year, one in which our ability to be resilient, creative and innovative was tested once again. It was a year in which we stayed focused on keeping optimism high in order to reach the goals we set for ourselves, and as proof of that I want to share with you a short video summarizing the main achievements of our term.” For more details on these achievements, see https://bit.ly/4gBowli

For her part, the incoming president, Niurka Montero, said: “Presiding over the largest binational chamber in Panama is an honor and an opportunity, both professionally and personally, to continue our joint work and promote the sustainable development of our country through education and technology, and by highlighting the role of women in the business environment. I recognize the great opportunities and advantages we have to advance our development as a nation if we work steadily, with commitment and an optimistic view of the future.”

Montero highlighted the importance and relevance of Panama’s historic relationship with the United States and the added value and opportunities it represents for the Panamanian economy from a commercial standpoint. She added: “This challenge of leading the Chamber with enthusiasm and determination rests on the commitment of the Board of Directors that will accompany me along the way, and I pledge to carry out my term with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, in line with the distinguished track record of AmCham Panamá over more than 45 years.”

In that context, Montero stressed that during her presidency she will continue the three strategic pillars that will frame her work and plans for this year: 1. Strengthening trade relations and the exchange of knowledge between Panama and the United States, working hand in hand with our allies and the Embassy of the United States, Panama’s Ministry of Trade and Industry and PROPANAMA, and continuing to strengthen the AmCham network through active participation in AACCLA; 2. Fostering the country’s sustainable economic growth by encouraging investment and the transfer of knowledge, strengthening ethics, creating jobs, supporting education and culture, and continuing to consolidate environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria; and finally, 3. Generating added value for its members by supporting the transfer of information and capacity building for the benefit of our member companies and the country.

Niurka thanked the outgoing Board of Directors, who worked to maintain the pace of execution required, and acknowledged the high degree of professionalism, commitment and dedication of its members. The Board of Directors serving alongside the incoming president is: as Vice President, Malcolm Muñoz, Citibank, N.A. Panama.; as Secretary, Mariela De La Guardia, Icaza, González-Ruiz & Alemán; as Treasurer, Julio Díaz Cohen, AES Panamá; as Directors, Juan Carlos Arias, Corporación Continental; Heidy Barahona, Ricoh Panamá; Jorge Barnett, Georgia Tech Panamá, Carlos Conde, Air Europa; Jonathan Díaz, Ciudad del Saber; Alyssa Lince, Arden & Price; Sandra Miró, DHL Express Panamá and Eyda Varela, INCAE Business School. As ex officio directors: Timothy Cannon, Commercial Affairs Counselor at the Embassy of the United States in Panama; Jean Pierre de Roux, 2024 President; Miguel Bolinaga, 2018 President; Doriana Hun, 2022 President; Dacil Acevedo, 2018 Vice President; Thomas Kenna, 2009 President and AACCLA Chair 2016-2017; Luis Laguerre, 2012 President and AACCLA Chair 2021-2022 and Freddy Rodriguez, AACCLA Vice President 2024-2025.

About the Incoming President:

Niurka Montero is an electronic engineer with more than 20 years of experience leading teams and developing business strategies at several multinational companies with regional responsibilities. Thanks to her passion, vision and results, she has led different segments of the company, from online sales and call center business for SMB (Small and Medium Business) to the PartnerDirect channel program for South America, Central America and the Caribbean, and since 2014 she has been responsible for Government, Commercial and SMB as Senior Sales Director for Regional Accounts in NoLA (Northern Latin America).