Advice for New Chamber CEOs

Dave Kilby, President Emeritus, W.A.C.E.

​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 and of W.A.C.E. has long been that when someone accepts the CEO position, they will make the chamber business a career, not just another job.
With all of this turnover happening – my estimate is that about 30% of the chambers in W.A.C.E. 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 (Note: most have been shortened or edited to avoid duplication):

“Don’t go it alone. Get to know your neighboring Chamber CEOs and get involved in industry association and conferences. Taking advantage o these relationships can help you avoid mistakes, find new ideas, and become effective much more quickly.” – Scott Ashton, Oceanside (CA) Chamber

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“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

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“Take responsibility. Learn your role. Own your position. Do not remain a ‘childlike’ CEO constantly needing reassurace 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

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“Lisen 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

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“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

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“Don’t play small. Your community needs courageous, visionary leadership. I would also addas my dad told me when he was teaching me to drive: always expect the unexpected.” – Lori Mattson, Tri-City Regional (WA) Chamber

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“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

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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.
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Dave Kilby is President Emeritus of W.A.C.E. and served as CEO of the association for over 34 years. He can be reached at [email protected].