President & Chief Executive Officer

President & Chief Executive Officer

Wipfli is assisting our client, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, with the recruitment and selection of the organization's next President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). For more than 110 years, the Chamber has proudly served as the voice of business and a trusted unifier of leaders across sectors throughout the Chippewa Valley region. Today, the Chamber functions as a central platform for advocacy, workforce strategy initiatives, leadership development, and regional alignment – advancing outcomes that benefit both its members and the broader community. The Chamber is committed to being a Catalyst for business growth, a Convener of visionaries and influencers who make things happen, and a Champion for a stronger community.

As the Chamber's principal ambassador, the CEO is responsible for advancing the organization's strategic vision, representing the Chamber publicly, cultivating investor and community relationships, and stewarding the Chamber's financial and organizational stability. This role offers the unique opportunity to lead a respected, member-driven organization at a pivotal moment for the region. The ideal candidate brings a collaborative style, strong board partnership experience, and the ability to engage confidently with investors, policymakers, and community leaders. Working closely with the Board of Directors, members, and key partners, the CEO plays a central role in shaping priorities, strengthening relationships, and positioning the Chamber to respond effectively to the evolving needs of the region.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead the development and execution of the Chamber's strategic plan in partnership with the Board and key stakeholders
• Monitor economic, business, and policy trends to position the Chamber as a proactive community leader
• Ensure organizational alignment with long-term goals, mission impact, and community relevance

Advocacy & Community Influence

• Serve as the lead spokesperson and public advocate for the Chamber and its investors
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and federal government officials
• Represent the business community in regional, state, and national coalitions and conversations

Investor & Stakeholder Relations

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with major investors, community leaders, and strategic partners
• Engage directly with top-tier investors and anchor institutions to ensure continued commitment and collaboration
• Support the evolution of investment strategies that reflect annual funding realities while advancing long-term sustainability goals

Board Governance & Organizational Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee
• Partner with the Board on financial strategy discussions related to fundraising performance, annual investment cycles, and organizational capacity
• Ensure effective governance practices, transparent communication, and timely reporting
• Guide board recruitment, engagement, and succession planning

Organizational Oversight

• Provide executive oversight of the Director of Operations and ensure alignment across departments
• Lead efforts to strengthen organizational stability in an annual-investment funding environment
• Maintain ultimate accountability for the Chamber's financial health, reputation, and performance
• Champion organizational culture, staff development, and mission integrity

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven leadership experience in Chamber of Commerce, association, economic development, or public/private sector environments
• Strong background in advocacy, public policy, investor engagement, and community leadership
• Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
• Established experience in fiscal responsibility, financial oversight, and fundraising strategy
• Demonstrated experience in working with and supporting Boards of Directors
• Ability to inspire confidence and credibility with diverse stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree preferred; or Institute for Organization Management (IOM)/Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation

If you are a visionary, mission-driven executive with a strong commitment to organizational excellence, we invite you to submit your resume through our client application portal.