Advice for New Chamber CEOs

We’ve all heard the saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” 

It definitely applies to the chamber world where many things have dramatically changed in recent years, but one thing has remained a constant – the high amount of chamber CEO turnover. 

A goal of mine has long been that when someone accepts the CEO position, they will make the chamber business a career, not just another job. 

With turnover happening – my estimate as many as about 30% of the chambers have had a CEO change over the last 3 years – I reached out to dozens of Chamber execs (past and present) for their advice for a new Chamber CEO. 

Here are some of the responses they shared: 

• “Don’t go it alone. Get to know your neighboring Chamber CEOs and get involved in industry association and conferences. Taking advantage of these relationships can help you avoid mistakes, find new ideas, and become effective much more quickly.” – Scott Ashton, Oceanside (CA) Chamber 
   
• “My mantra has always been ‘family first.’ I wish I’d been a better practitioner early in my career. It’s so easy to get locked into tunnel vision.” – John Brewer, Billings (MT) Chamber 
   
• “Take responsibility. Learn your role. Own your position. Do not remain a ‘childlike’ CEO constantly needing reassurance or direction. The role requires maturity, confidence and a willingness to keep learning while standing firmly in who you are.” – Kelly Hall, Longview (TX) Chamber 
   
• “Listen to your members, learn your community, understand your finances, and stay focused on your mission. There will always be more opportunities, ideas and requests than you can possibly take on.” – Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, Greater San Fernando Valley (CA) Chamber 
   
• “I’m a believer in having a ‘first 100 days’ plan, which includes lots of listening. We need to work at listening and resisting the urge to show our relevance by talking too much. We need to manage our egos.” – Megan Lucas, Lynchburg Regional (VA) Business Alliance 
   
• “Don’t play small. Your community needs courageous, visionary leadership. I would also add as my dad told me when he was teaching me to drive: always expect the unexpected.” – Lori Mattson, Tri-City Regional (WA) Chamber 
   
• “Build your network, build your team and nurture your relationships both inside the chamber industry, within your board, your community and, most importantly, your family.” – Chris Romer, Vail Valley (CO) Partnership 

Taken as a whole, the above sounds like excellent advice for long-term CEO success. 

I wish you all the best and if I can ever be of help, don’t hesitate to reach out.

About the author

Dave Kilby

Dave Kilby is President Emeritus of the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) and served as CEO of the association for over 34 years.