President & Chief Executive Officer

The Position
Location:

The President & Chief Executive Officer position is located in Commerce Lexington’s offices at 330 East Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507.

Reporting Relationships:

The President & Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Commerce Lexington reports to the 61-member volunteer Board of Directors and works closely with an 18-member Executive Committee, on which the CEO serves as the Board Secretary. The CEO supervises the EVP of Economic Development, Chief of Staff & EVP of Membership & Engagement, Chief Communications Officer, Chief Policy Officers & Director of Regional Engagement, SVP of Community & Minority Business Development, SVP of Talent & Education Strategy, SVP of Finance, and the VP of Strategic Partnerships & Foundation Management; a total staff of 22 employees and 3 interns.

Other important interactions include: executives and employees of Commerce Lexington member organizations and affiliates; local, state, and national elected officials and their staffs; education officials; and representatives of other public and private sector partnership organizations.

Position Charter:

The President & Chief Executive Officer is the chief executive and administrative officer of Commerce Lexington Inc. and serves as the leading voice for the Greater Lexington business community. The CEO formulates and executes strategic objectives that advance economic growth, support business success, and enhance quality of life, while providing overall leadership for operations, policy, and membership in partnership with the Board of Directors.

As the principal spokesperson and ambassador, the CEO represents the membership and fosters strong relationships across business, government, higher education, and civic sectors. This role requires balancing regional leadership on major initiatives with a strong commitment to the needs of small and mid-sized businesses, while driving organizational growth, engagement, and impact.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The President & CEO is responsible for the following activities within the limits of Commerce Lexington’s bylaws and the policies as established by and with appropriate delegation from the Board of Directors:

Strategic Leadership & Regional Impact:

• Provide clear strategic vision for Commerce Lexington and guide long-term priorities in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen the regional economy, advance workforce development, and promote a competitive business climate.
• Serve as a trusted advocate for the business community on key issues at the local, state, and federal
• Identify emerging economic opportunities and position Commerce Lexington to respond strategically and
• Balance bold, forward-thinking leadership with thoughtful, disciplined decision-

Member Engagement, Growth & Value:

• Champion Commerce Lexington’s role as a member-driven organization, ensuring programs, advocacy, and initiatives reflect the needs of businesses of all sizes.
• Strengthen relationships with existing members and key investors while expanding the organization’s reach and value proposition.

• Oversee membership development, retention, engagement, and investor relations to drive sustainable
• Ensure Commerce Lexington remains a vital convener, connecting business leaders and fostering collaboration across sectors.

Organizational Leadership & Culture:

• Lead, mentor, and support a high-performing professional
• Foster a collaborative, empowered workplace culture with clear expectations, accountability, and
• Develop emerging leaders and promote succession planning across key
• Provide decisive leadership and direction when organizational priorities require clarity and
• Maintain a positive, high-trust environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, and professional

External Leadership & Community Engagement:

• Serve as the chief spokesperson and public representative of Commerce
• Build and sustain trusted relationships with business leaders, elected officials, higher education institutions, and civic organizations.
• Act as a skilled convener who brings diverse stakeholders together around shared regional
• Maintain a strong and visible presence throughout the Lexington region, representing the Commerce Lexington in public forums, media, and community initiatives.

Operational & Financial Stewardship:

• Ensure effective management of all Commerce Lexington operations, programs, and
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure long-term
• Maintain strong financial discipline, ensuring decisions reflect enterprise-wide
• Partner with the Board to develop and execute revenue strategies that support mission and
• Provide oversight of governance, operational systems, and compliance with all applicable policies, regulations, and best practices.

Compensation

The President & CEO is expected to earn a competitive base compensation commensurate with the candidate’s experience and knowledge. The CEO will also be eligible to receive a discretionary annual bonus. In addition, the candidate will receive appropriate benefits including but not limited to healthcare coverage, retirement, paid holidays, and other paid time off. Additional perquisites and some relocation assistance may be provided.

The Candidate
Education:

A bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in business, finance, law, public administration, or other discipline is preferred. However, any combination of advanced education, training, or lived and learned experience will be valued and considered.

If the candidate’s professional experience includes Chamber, association, or economic development industry background, then a graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management, Certified Chamber Executive, Certified Association Executive, Certified Economic Developer designation, or other certification, will be appreciated but optional.

Professional Qualifications

The ideal candidate must have a proven track record of senior leadership experience and may come from a variety of backgrounds such as: serving as the top executive within a progressive and comparably-sized Chamber of Commerce, or related significant business association, or economic development-focused organization; experience as a “#2” or other senior-level executive at a larger like enterprise as noted above; or an executive from a complex private or public sector entity. Significant Board interaction is strongly desired.  VISIT HERE to view full preferred requirements and desired traits for the position.

The President & CEO position of Commerce Lexington is an outstanding opportunity to lead and grow a successful combined economic development and chamber organization in a unique and welcoming “front porch” community led by an engaged and influential volunteer Board of Directors. Since 2004 with the merger of Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Lexington United, and the Lexington Partnership for Workforce Development, Commerce Lexington has sought to promote economic development, job creation, and overall business growth in Lexington and its neighboring communities, while strengthening existing businesses through the many provided programs and services. The President & CEO will benefit from the community’s highly educated population and a city that balances traditional heritage with open-minded, forward-thinking growth, all intertwined with its deep equestrian identity. This new executive will have an opportunity to move this dynamic organization to an even higher level of influence and success in the years to come.