COLUMBUS AREA CHAMBER, INDIANA

PRESIDENT & CEO

 www.tinyurl.com/columbusindiana

ABOUT COLUMBUS, INDIANA

With a population exceeding 50,000 and a global corporate footprint, Columbus offers the intimacy of a close-knit community alongside the ambition of an international city. Situated nearly equidistant from Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Louisville, it occupies a uniquely connected position in the heart of the Midwest.

World-class employers like Cummins, Inc. and Toyota Material Handling USA have shaped a remarkably diverse community — one where 56 languages are spoken in local schools and one in seven residents was born outside the United States. Advanced manufacturing is the backbone of the local economy, employing 39% of the workforce and anchoring Columbus as a regional industrial powerhouse.

Yet Columbus is far more than its economy. Driven by visionary civic leadership, it has long served as a laboratory for bold ideas — a proving ground for innovation in design, industry, and community building. A landmark new initiative is now focused on making Columbus the preeminent community of its size in the nation. The Chamber's next leader will arrive at a pivotal moment, with a rare opportunity to help write the next chapter of this extraordinary city's story.

THE COLUMBUS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Founded in 1890 by a circle of forward-looking business leaders, the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce has grown alongside the city itself, from a quiet river town into a globally recognized manufacturing center celebrated for its collaborative civic spirit and extraordinary collection of modern architecture. For more than a century, the Chamber has met change with purpose and seized opportunity with confidence.

Today, the Chamber represents more than 600 member businesses and stands as one of the community's most trusted institutions known for thoughtful leadership, steady judgment, and the willingness to act boldly when the moment demands it. That moment is now.

The Chamber is entering its next chapter and seeks a leader ready to build on a remarkable legacy. This is a rare opportunity to guide a respected organization with deep community roots and the credibility to convene, influence, and innovate. The next president will have both the support and the latitude to reimagine what a modern chamber can be, strengthening businesses, cultivating talent, and helping build a resilient, future-ready economy. To learn more, visit columbusareachamber.com

ORGANIZATION BY THE NUMBERS

Chamber Membership: 600+

Professional Team: 5

Board of Directors: 23

Total Budget: $656,000

OUR NEXT PRESIDENT & CEO

The Columbus Area Chamber is seeking a visionary and strategic President & CEO to lead our dynamic 501(c)(6) organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. As the voice of the Columbus Area business community, the Chamber plays a vital role in strengthening the local economy, fostering community development and advancing the success of businesses of all sizes.

The President & CEO will serve as the driving force behind the Chamber’s mission and strategic plan, ensuring its relevance and vitality in an ever-changing business landscape. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this leader will oversee all administrative and management functions while setting annual goals, implementing strategies, and aligning resources to achieve organizational objectives.

As the face of the Chamber, the President & CEO will champion advocacy efforts, build meaningful community and business connections, and expand opportunities for networking, professional development, and access to critical resources. This role will also oversee the execution of the Chamber’s high-profile programs and signature events, ensuring their continued growth and success.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven executive leadership experience (Chamber, Economic Development, Nonprofit, or Private Sector)
• Experience managing budget of $1M+
• 10+ years of leading professional teams
• Strong fundraising and partnership development skills
• Political acumen and public policy understanding
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style
• Ability to lead through change and crisis
• Passion for entrepreneurship and economic vitality
• High energy with sustainable leadership practices

Duties and Responsibilities

Including, but not limited to the following:

Strategic & Visionary Leadership

Develop and implement a forward-looking strategic plan aligned with regional economic priorities.

Position the Chamber as the leading convener of business, civic, and nonprofit stakeholders.

Advance entrepreneurship, small business growth, and innovation.

Financial Stewardship & Organizational Health

Maintain strong fiscal oversight.

Diversify revenue streams through membership, sponsorships, grants, program income, and partnerships.

Ensure operational excellence and team development.

Economic & Community Development Leadership

Partner closely with the Economic Development Organization, city leadership and other partners.

Advocate for policies that strengthen business climate, workforce development, talent attraction, and downtown vitality.

Support manufacturing, emerging industries, and small business ecosystems.

Membership Growth & Engagement

Deliver measurable ROI for members.

Expand engagement across diverse industries and business sizes.

Continue cultivating a welcoming environment for minority-owned and women-led businesses.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Ecosystem

Oversee and strengthen Chamber Foundation initiatives.

Sustain and grow technical support and direct capital deployment programs.

Champion startup supports entrepreneurial programming.

Public Leadership & Advocacy

Serve as a visible and trusted spokesperson locally and regionally.

Build relationships with elected officials and state leaders.

Represent the Chamber across boards, coalitions, and strategic initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Leading candidates will have a minimum of 10+ years of senior leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of producing results.
• A firm grasp of core business competencies including accounting, human resources, marketing, and stewarding a million-dollar budget to ensure the long-term viability of the organization.
• A history of successful engagement, partnering and alliance-building among a broad range of constituencies. 
• Experience in working with volunteer boards and managing volunteer-driven initiatives.
• Highly developed people skills and emotional intelligence.
• Strong understanding of the political landscape for change and collaboration with civic leadership and partner organizations. 
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills both in writing and orally. 
• Possesses and demonstrates high standards of integrity, work ethic, trustworthiness, and personal responsibility. 
• Elevated level of energy to lead the organization into the future.

EDUCATION

Preferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. The successful candidate will demonstrate a consistent track-record for producing results in the areas necessary to lead a world-class membership organization. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The compensation package will include a competitive salary package based upon the candidate’s level of professional experience. This position also offers a dynamic benefits package, including, but not limited to paid holidays, paid time off, group medical insurance, life insurance, LTD/STD insurance, and 401k with a matching program.

REQUIRED RESIDENCE

It is expected that the chosen candidate will live within Bartholomew County, once employed.  

About Columbus Area Chamber, Indiana

YGM, LLC has been retained to manage this executive search for this chamber.

Connections working at Columbus Area Chamber, Indiana