The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce (“the Chamber”) in Charleston, South Carolina, is seeking a visionary leader to become its next President & Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). Along with an influential Board, a strong staff, and committed volunteers, the Chamber convenes top leaders from the private and public sectors to courageously lead this growing region forward. Reflective of its impact on the Charleston regional community and its reputation within the chamber industry, the Chamber was named “Chamber of the Year” in 2018 by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
The Chamber is a voice for member businesses, focusing on issues that impact economic growth and vitality in the Charleston business community and the region. The Charleston tri-county region's population of 850,000 is projected to reach 1MM in 7-10 years, driving increased consumer demand, a larger workforce, and infrastructure development. This growth will create opportunities for business expansion, attract investment, and foster innovation, while also introducing competitive pressures and potential regulatory challenges.
While Charleston maintains its charm as a historic city full of Southern hospitality, it has experienced significant economic diversification along with the expansion of its industrial and manufacturing base over the past 10 years, placing itself in an advantageous position for continued growth. The new CEO will engage with military, public sector, and leaders of other business and economic development-focused partners throughout the region to elevate the business climate in Charleston. This executive will bring new ideas for membership engagement and creative programming to enhance the overall visibility and operations of the Chamber.
The President & Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) reports to the Chair of the 65-member Board of Directors. The Board includes a 19-member Executive Committee and there are also 11 Board Liaisons from local government jurisdictions and military leadership. The CEO leads a 25-member Chamber staff and an $8+MM budget. In April 2024, the Chamber launched People First, a strategic regional initiative to help shape the legacy of the region for 2040 with four pillars of focus: attainable housing; future-ready education; multi-faceted regional transit system; and affordable high-quality childcare. The strategy’s $8.5MM funding goal is supported by public and private sector partners. The Charleston Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)3 affiliate, was established in 2016. The Foundation received an $8.4MM EDA grant to initially focus on healthcare workforce issues. The Chamber also has a separate Political Action Committee which endorses candidates and supports important regional issues.
The President & Chief Executive Officer is the top executive and administrative officer of the Chamber. Primary responsibilities include planning, directing, and controlling all activities of the Chamber to achieve its goals and objectives. The CEO is expected to provide leadership and direction that creates a high level of enthusiasm, expectancy, and momentum among the membership, Chamber staff, and the Charleston multi-county business community.
Ideal candidates must have a proven track record of success and may come from a variety of backgrounds such as: currently serving as the top executive within a progressive and effective comparably-sized chamber, economic development, or related significant business association; experience as a “#2” or other senior-level executive at a larger enterprise as noted above; or an executive from a complex private or public sector entity or nonprofit organization. Strong preference will be given to leaders who have experience in a dynamic and growing diverse business market and community. The successful candidate will bring a sense of business urgency to the role and elevate the visibility and functioning of the organization with a history that dates back over two hundred and fifty years. This executive must demonstrate collaboration, innovative thinking, and excellent communication skills. Significant Board interaction and experience leading large numbers of volunteers is strongly desired. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in business, law, public administration, or a related field is desired, as are CCE, CEcD, or CAE designations.
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