The Glendale Chamber of Commerce (“the Chamber”) in Glendale, Arizona is seeking a dynamic leader to become its next President & Chief Executive Officer. The Chamber’s mission is to serve as the voice of business in Glendale – championing business success and driving economic growth through advocacy, strategic connections and regional influence.  Glendale has a population of more than 250,000 and is in the West Valley region of the Phoenix MSA of over 4.5MM people.  The Glendale Chamber has over 1,400 members, making it the largest business organization in the West Valley and fourth largest chamber in the State of Arizona. With a $1+MM operating budget, the Chamber serves as the “community connector” among its membership and constituents and continues to be a progressive and inclusive force in the region working to advocate for and improve the business and community environment.  The Chamber continuously endeavors to help members of all sizes grow their businesses and offers over 90 networking, educational, and training events and opportunities year-round.  As part of its communication strategy to members and the community, the Chamber publishes The VOICE of Business magazine each quarter.  Website:  www.glendaleazchamber.org

The President & Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) reports to the Chair of the 4-member Executive Committee of the Chamber’s 20+ member Board of Directors, which meets monthly.  The Executive Committee meets on an as-needed basis.   The CEO directly supervises the Chamber staff who hold both full time and part time positions: Director-Events, Business Development Manager, Member Engagement Champion, Marketing & Communications Manager, Executive Assistant, Operations & Events Assistant along with Marketing & Social Media Intern and Public Policy Intern.  Other important relationships include: representatives and employees of Chamber member organizations; county and municipal elected and appointed officials; state and national elected officials and their staff; representatives of other public and private sector organizations with related community and economic development missions; university, technical college and K-12 education officials; military leaders; and members of the media.  As the chief executive and administrative officer of the Chamber, the CEO’s leadership and management includes but is not limited to: annual business plan; strategic plan; organizational structure; motivation of volunteers; budget; employment, training and supervision of staff; interpretation of policy; and other necessary functions of a highly effective chamber of commerce.  The CEO is the chief spokesperson of the Chamber and operates with a focus that includes public/member relations and advocacy activities. 

Outstanding opportunity for a chamber of commerce, association, or perhaps private sector executive to lead an organization committed to the success of the rapidly growing community of Glendale and the entire West Valley region.  The Chamber enjoys outstanding member relations and an excellent reputation with key organizations in the area along with solid fiscal results. The Chamber CEO is a highly visible leadership position and, as such, the new CEO will have considerable influence on the growth and development of the city in the years to come

Glendale is in the West Valley region of Phoenix with a population of more than 250,000 and part of the Phoenix MSA of 4.5MM people.  The city is home to the NFL's Arizona Cardinals and has hosted Super Bowls and NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four.  As part of the growing West Valley region, Glendale's economy is diverse with over 83% of the community's workforce in private sector organizations.  Luke Air Force Base has over 5,000 military and civilian employees with other major sectors in the West Valley including healthcare & bioscience, aerospace, aviation & defense, manufacturing, advanced business services and technology & innovation.  

Glendale offers an outstanding quality of life based on education, affordable homes, an increasingly diverse population and green space.  There are numerous choices for P-20 education including outstanding public and private schools in the community.  Arts and culture include galleries, community festivals, restaurants, Westgate Entertainment District, Desert Diamond Arena and sports venues.   In addition to the State Farm Stadium, this includes the Major Leage Baseball spring training complex, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. Glendale is also home to beautiful parks, golf courses, ranches and collegiate athletic contests.  Residents benefit from excellent health care facilities, and shopping options at national retailers and unique local boutique shops.

The ideal candidate will bring 10+ years of progressively responsible experience, with a minimum of 3 years in senior leadership and may come from a variety of backgrounds such as, but not limited to: the top executive of a progressive and comparably sized chamber of commerce, economic development organization, or related significant business association; experience as a “second in command” or other senior-level executive at a larger like-enterprise as noted above; an executive with a strong record of community involvement from a complex private or public-sector entity.  Board interaction, experience leading large numbers of volunteers, experience leading within a growing community, and demonstrated experience overcoming challenges are all strongly desired. A Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree, graduate of U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management or Certified Chamber Executive designation is desirable. 

About Glendale (AZ) Chamber of Commerce c/o Waverly Partners

WAVERLY PARTNERS is a national retained executive search firm founded in 2001 and part of Ward Howell International, a global network of search consultants located in over 30 offices in 22 countries. Ward Howell serves multinational companies, local corporations, mid-sized companies as well as government agencies and law firms. WAVERLY PARTNERS functions as Ward Howell’s nonprofit search practice with clients that include chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, trade associations, cultural arts and human service agencies.

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