The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerceis a multifaceted nonprofit membership organization with a mission to initiate, advocate and empower the Charleston region to advance a prosperous business environment. Serving a tri-county region of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester, the organization’s vision is to be the leading catalyst for regional advancement and an international leader in the chamber profession. Established in 1773, the Chamber has earned the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating chamber in the nation and today has over 1,600 member organizations and an operating budget of $8.3MM. Member organizations range from small businesses to large corporations, from nonprofit agencies to colleges and universities. The organization serves as a collective voice to drive solutions for a thriving Charleston community and provides a variety of programs and services for members including public policy and government advocacy; networking; communication and relationship building programs and events; leadership and young professionals programs; regional advancement activities and efforts; workforce development; minority business development; military affairs activities.
In April 2024, the Chamber launched People First, a strategic regional initiative to help shape the legacy of the region for 2040 with four pillars of focus: attainable housing; future ready education; multi-faceted regional transit system; and affordable high-quality childcare. The strategy’s $8.5MM funding goal is supported by public and private sector partners. The Charleston Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)3 affiliate, was established in 2016. The Foundation received an $8.4MM EDA grant to initially focus on healthcare workforce issues. The Chamber also has a separate Political Action Committee which endorses candidates and supports important regional issues.
Bryan Derreberry has served as the Chamber’s President & Chief Executive Officer since 2011 and has announced his plan to retire once his successor is appointed. The Board of Directors has now embarked on a national search to recruit a new President & Chief Executive Officer who will guide the Chamber and its prominent business leadership activities within the region.
The President & Chief Executive Officer(“CEO”) reports to the Chair of the 65-member Board of Directors. The Board includes a 19-member Executive Committee and there are also 11 Board Liaisons from local government jurisdictions and military leadership. The CEO leads a 25-member Chamber staff, with direct supervision of: Senior Vice President-Finance & Operations; Senior Vice President-Government Relations; Senior Vice President-Marketing & Events; Senior Vice President-Membership; Senior Vice President-Programs & Initiatives; Senior Vice President-Strategic Partnerships. Other important interactions and relationships include executives and employees of Chamber member organizations; municipal and county elected and appointed officials; state and national elected officials and their staffs; representatives of other public and private sector partnership organizations; education officials; military leaders; members of the media; and the public at large. The President & Chief Executive Officer is the top executive and administrative officer of the Chamber and primary responsibilities include planning, directing and controlling all activities of the Chamber in order to achieve its goals and objectives. The CEO is expected to provide leadership and direction that creates a high level of enthusiasm, expectancy and momentum among the membership, Chamber staff and the Charleston multi-county business community.
Ideal candidatemust have a proven track record of success and may come from a variety of backgrounds such as: currently serving as the top executive within a progressive and effective comparably-sized chamber, economic development or related significant business association; 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 or nonprofit organization. Strong preference will be given to leaders who have had experience in a dynamic and growing diverse business market and community. The successful candidate will bring a sense of business urgency to the role and elevate the visibility and functioning of the organization with a history that dates back over two hundred and fifty years. This executive must demonstrate collaboration, innovative thinking and excellent communication skills. Significant Board interaction and experience leading large numbers of volunteers is strongly desired. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in business, law, public administration or a related field is desired.
Outstanding opportunityfor a chamber of commerce, association, economic development or perhaps private sector executive to lead and grow a successful chamber organization in a dynamic and growing regional community. The new CEO will inherit a strong Chamber staff who bring experience and enthusiasm to their roles. The Chamber is on solid financial ground, moved to beautiful new office space in 2020 and is led by a committed, influential and engaged volunteer Board of Directors. The Chamber membership, while proud of their tremendous growth and success, is not content with status quo, and therefore there is a great deal of excitement surrounding “the next chapter” for the Charleston region and this Chamber of Commerce by both residents and the business community.
Contact: If you are aware of an outstanding chamber, association or business executive who meets these requirements, please contact WAVERLY PARTNERS, the executive search firm retained by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Board on this search and the preferred provider of executive search services of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. A full Position Profile is available upon request from WAVERLY PARTNERS and all inquiries will be held in confidence.
Email: Charleston@Waverly-Partners.com
