Join the Bowling Green Area Chamber, where collaboration meets community impact. As a leading force in economic and partnership development, we're dedicated to fostering growth in our region. If you're passionate about building strong business connections and thriving communities, we'd love to hear from you.

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

President & Chief Executive Officer | Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is a highly respected business advocate and economic driver in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1935 and serving more than 1,300 partner organizations, it is 5-Star Accredited by the

U.S. Chamber of Commerce and one of Kentucky’s largest chambers. With a campaign focus of “Pathway to Progress,” its core mission is to strengthen the business climate, support growth, and improve quality of life through leadership development, education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

With a $3.5MM operating budget, the Chamber delivers tangible value through a suite of programs that build talent, connection, and capacity across the region. Key initiatives include Leadership Bowling Green, an immersive nine-month leadership development experience; BG Young Professionals, which cultivates emerging leaders; SCK LAUNCH, a workforce pipeline linking students with local industries; and the Training Consortium, which delivers targeted workforce skills and training. These programs foster a skilled, connected community ready to meet evolving business needs in the Bowling Green area.

The Chamber’s impact is reflected in its recent accomplishments and national recognition. It has earned the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development four times in five years, placing it among the top 20 economic development organizations in the United States. Warren County and Bowling Green are at the center of a dynamic ten-county regional growth partnership. South Central Kentucky, anchored by Bowling Green, is the fastest-growing region in the state, with Chamber-facilitated projects generating hundreds of millions in capital investment and hundreds of projected new jobs. Bowling Green’s momentum is reinforced by a strong national profile, consistently ranking among the nation’s top Tier 2 metros in Site Selection magazine.

The Board of Directors has embarked on a national search to recruit a new President & Chief Executive Officer to guide the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and its prominent business and economic development leadership activities.

More information on the Chamber and its programs can be found on the website: https://www.bgchamber.com/

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Bowling Green, Kentucky and Warren County combine Southern charm, growing opportunity, and accessible living into a lifestyle that appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike. With the cost of living well below the national average and a strong sense of community, this region blends small-city ease with rich cultural and outdoor experiences. Work opportunities are broad and expanding. Bowling Green’s economy includes diverse sectors with competitive wages and accessible career growth. The area is centrally located along major transportation corridors, offering easy connections to Nashville and Louisville for business or travel. Education is a priority: the city is home to Western Kentucky University and features a highly rated public school systems, with a 98% graduation rate in local districts and the region also hosts strong private and specialized STEM options.

Living in the Bowling Green area means access to quality health care through two accredited regional hospitals, safe neighborhoods, and a moderate climate with four seasons and plenty of sunny days each year. Warren County’s landscape encompasses more than 800 acres of parks featuring playgrounds, dog and skate parks, disc golf, and trails. Nearby lakes and state and national parks offer boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.

Bowling Green thrives as a cultural hub. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene with the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, historic theatres, and museums such as the Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University. The National Corvette Museum and Beech Bend Raceway add unique attractions for residents and visitors alike. Local festivals, minor league baseball, and a lively downtown area with restaurants and shops create year-round entertainment. For those who value quality of life and community engagement, Bowling Green offers affordable homes, diverse recreational options, and a welcoming spirit. Its blend of economic potential, cultural richness, and outdoor lifestyle makes it attractive to newcomers.

The Bowling Green Area economy is impressively diversified, encompassing sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, retail, logistics and transportation, and corporate and consumer products making it resistant to economic downturns. The top five private employers in the Bowling Green area are Houchens Industries, General Motors, Henkel, Fruit of the Loom, and Graves Gilbert Clinic. Along with many other outstanding companies and public employers such as Western Kentucky University, Med Center Health, and the Warren County Board of Education, they collectively contribute to a strong and stable job market. Bowling Green’s strategic location on Interstate 65 provides direct, high-traffic access between Nashville, TN (60 miles south) and Louisville, KY (115 miles north) attracting new investments and supporting continuous economic growth.

For more information about Bowling Green and Warren County please see VisitBGKY at www.visitbgky.com and Warren County at www.warrencountyky.gov. The City of Blowing Green’s website is www.bgky.com.

The Position

Location

The President & Chief Executive Officer position is located in the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce’s offices at 710 College Street, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101.

Reporting Relationships

The President & Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce reports to the 26-member Board of Directors. The CEO supervises the Executive Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer/SVP Workforce Development, Vice President of Economic Development (open position), and the Vice President of Partnership Services, as well as an Executive Assistant; a total staff of 21.

Other important interactions include executives and employees of Chamber member organizations and affiliates; local, state, and national elected officials and their staff; university, college, technical college, and K-12 education officials; representatives of other public and private sector partnership organizations; and members of the media.

Position Charter

The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the principal executive, strategic leader, and public voice of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, guiding the region’s business community toward sustained prosperity and innovation. As the face of the Chamber, this position champions economic development, talent and workforce growth, and public-private collaboration that fuel long-term regional success. The President & CEO partners closely with city and county leadership to shape and drive the future growth of Bowling Green—cultivating an environment where businesses thrive, opportunities expand, and community quality of life flourishes. This role calls for an inspiring, results-oriented executive who can balance strategic vision with measurable impact, uniting stakeholders around a shared purpose of economic vitality and civic pride.

Major Duties and Responsibilities include:

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

Strategic Leadership & Vision: Provide strategic oversight for the Chamber’s long-term direction, ensuring alignment across key partners while positioning the organization to respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges.

• Serve as the leading advocate for Bowling Green’s business community, driving policies and partnerships that enhance the region’s competitiveness.
• Develop and execute a forward-looking strategic plan aligned with the Chamber’s mission and long-term
• Collaborate with city, county, and regional partners, including educational institutions and private-sector leaders, to align strategies that attract investment, strengthen infrastructure, and expand opportunity.
• Leadership responsibilities include Inter-Modal Transportation Authority, South Central Kentucky Regional Development Authority, Bowling Green Area Economic Development Authority, Bowling Green Area Chamber Foundation, Training Consortium of South Central Kentucky.
• Champion innovation and adaptability by elevating the Chamber’s existing commitment to forward-thinking strategies, sustaining, and advancing its leadership in leveraging emerging trends within business, workforce, and economic development.

Economic & Community Development: Drive comprehensive economic development efforts that grow investment, strengthen existing businesses, and create quality employment opportunities. Collaborate across sectors to advance infrastructure, workforce readiness, and quality-of-life initiatives that support a competitive, resilient, and talent-attractive community.

• Lead and execute economic development strategies that attract new investment, support existing businesses, and expand high-quality job opportunities.
• Work with public and private-sector partners to advance shared goals in infrastructure, workforce readiness, and regional competitiveness.
• Focus on initiatives that enhance quality of life, infrastructure, and community resilience—ensuring Bowling Green remains an attractive destination for talent and business growth.

Revenue Growth & Financial Sustainability: Ensure the Chamber’s long-term financial health by advancing diverse revenue strategies, fostering mission-aligned partnerships, and maintaining strong fiscal oversight. Guide responsible financial management while identifying strategic investments that expand capacity and amplify organizational impact.

• Drive financial sustainability through innovative partnerships, events, and investment strategies that directly support economic and community growth.
• Oversee sound budgeting, fiscal management, and transparent financial reporting to the Board of
• Identify new revenue streams and strategic investments that advance the Chamber’s mission and long-term

Performance & Accountability: Define and monitor clear measures of success across membership, economic development, and community impact, ensuring transparent reporting to the Board. Foster organizational alignment and accountability to consistently advance strategic priorities.

• Establish clear performance metrics for membership engagement, economic development outcomes, and community impact, regularly reporting progress to the Board.
• Ensure organizational alignment and staff accountability in meeting strategic

Public Relations & Advocacy: Oversee the Chamber’s public-facing efforts, serving as a trusted advocate for the

business community while elevating Bowling Green’s visibility and influence at every level.

• Serve as the Chamber’s chief spokesperson and ambassador, promoting its mission to business, government, and civic audiences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, top business sectors, media, and community organizations to advance pro-business initiatives.
• Represent the Chamber at local, state, and national events to elevate Bowling Green’s visibility and

Organizational Leadership & Culture: Lead and inspire a collaborative, high-performing team while fostering an inclusive culture and best in class work place environment that positively supports and empowers staff and volunteers. Partner with the Board to ensure strong governance, strategic oversight, and organizational integrity, with trust and accountability at the center of leadership.

• Lead a high-performing professional team that values collaboration, innovation, and service
• Foster an inclusive workplace culture that empowers staff and volunteers to achieve shared
• Partner with the Board of Directors to uphold strong governance, strategic oversight, and organizational integrity, embedding trust building at the core of leadership practices.

Compensation

The President & Chief Executive Officer 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 is required. A graduate degree in Business, Public Administration, Economic Development, 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 at least 10 years of progressive 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 as well as demonstrated success in partnership development, revenue generation, and measurable community impact is strongly desired. 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Economic/business development (has worked collaboratively with established public sector delivery systems and private sector resources to effectively promote the business growth of a community, county, or region).
• Public affairs/advocacy (experience in the process of local, state, regional, and national government, and government organizations; has developed effective working relationships with elected/appointed officials).
• Collaborative relationships (demonstrated track record of developing effective partnerships among all sectors, from large companies to entrepreneurs, from city to state governments, from related business organizations to higher education).
• Board relationships (significant involvement with Board development and recruitment, governance issues, and Board of Director interactions).
• Communication (strong communicator with internal and external audiences including Chamber business members and prospects, Board of Directors, government representatives, staff, members of the media and the public).
• Diversity (inclusive; has experience working with diverse groups; promotes diversity programmatically).
• Executive leadership experience (strong staff leadership and human resource development; has effectively led a complex organization).
• Membership development (has actively promoted a membership-based organization; track record of membership development, retention, increased value, and appropriate expansion).
• Resource development (experience with varied successful funding activities including development programs, publications and advertising, special events, dues, and non-dues revenue campaigns).
• Fiscal management (demonstrated ability to manage financial affairs of an organization, e., develop revenue sources and control expenditures to preserve financial stability).
• Planning (has successfully developed and implemented both operational and strategic plans).
• Sales orientation (ability to market and promote the Chamber, the Bowling Green area, and Warren ),
• Varied industries (interactions with executives and owners of diverse industries including manufacturing, service, healthcare, transportation/logistics, retail, tourism).
• Community/regional development (able to identify both local and regional issues and effectively manage interactions with regional organizations to achieve common goals).
• Business savvy (programmatic success of serving businesses of all sizes from small enterprises and working with entrepreneurs to large global companies).
• Educational connections (demonstrated collaboration with leaders of public school systems and private institutions along with technical schools, colleges, and universities).
• Media/public relations (ability to effectively articulate goals, objectives, and policy positions of the Chamber to the media and the community at large).
• Established contacts (has developed and maintained regional and national connections with business, government, and other public sector organizations). 

Desired personal traits

• Leadership (a take charge individual; can manage, motivate, challenge and delegate to others; proactive versus reactive; looks for and fosters “win-win” results).
• Collaborative (sees value in teamwork to achieve positive results for the community; demonstrates a willingness and ability to work with and through others; recognizes that many parties are necessary to accomplish big things; speaks of “we” first, not “I;” relishes in sharing credit with others).
• Interpersonal skills (personable; relates well to diverse populations and at all levels; builds constructive and effective relationships; listens for understanding, socially adept and a good conversationalist).
• Innovative (pioneers creative solutions to advance regional economic growth and business innovation; drives forward-thinking initiatives).
• Political acumen (demonstrated ability to strategically navigate among local, county, state, and federal leaders).
• Visibility (highly visible to staff, members, and leaders in the community; active in the region and community).
• Credibility (can command respect of Board, members, staff, business, and regional leaders).
• Empowering management style (encourages staff; inclusive while providing basic direction and allowing team to execute; holds staff accountable; serves as a mentor for staff in their own professional development).
• Organizational skills (results oriented; meets established goals and objectives).
• Integrity (genuine and authentic; possesses the highest ethical and moral standards; honest and trustworthy; transparent).
• Change agent (able to set forth a vision based on collaboration and communication; willing to take calculated risks to push the envelope and challenge traditional thinking for positive change).
• Persuasive (able to synthesize various viewpoints and convince disparate groups to come to a logical resolution).
• Energetic (genuinely enthusiastic; strong personal work ethic).
• Executive presence (polished; self-confident; has political savvy necessary to maneuver through complex situations effectively and quietly).
• Strategic thinker (can plan for the future; a forward thinker able to envision “the big picture” beyond daily operations and lead an organization and community toward strategic goals and ideas).
• Positive attitude (genuinely light-hearted; able to enjoy life and see humor in sometimes difficult situations).
• Business champion (personal belief in the free enterprise system and the role of business in serving the economic and community development needs of society).
• Communication skills (good listener; excellent written and oral communication skills). 

Challenges and Opportunity

The projected first year accomplishments and projects for the new President & CEO of the Chamber include:

• Establish presence as Chamber CEO and become completely familiar with all operating aspects of Chamber and related entities including staff, finances, program of work, Board members, stakeholders, and
• Develop a dynamic team, understanding everyone’s responsibilities and goals; create a “Best Places to Work” environment and culture.
• Build working relationships with the City, County, and investors, aligning work to secure a strong foundation for the future.
• Initiate formal and informal introductions and connections with Chamber’s membership, economic development, and educational partners, and the Bowling Green business community through varied communications and in-person gatherings and meetings, thereby developing strong and trusting relationships with key constituencies.
• Evaluate the Chamber’s finances and work with the Leadership Team and Board to continue both current and long-term financial health of the Chamber.
• Become actively involved in the community, attending multiple Chamber and non-chamber events; become known as “the face” of the Chamber within the community. 
• Establish relationships regionally to further support growth of the entire

The President & Chief Executive Officer position of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is an outstanding opportunity to lead and grow a successful chamber and economic development organization in a strong, thriving, and primed for growth community. Led by an engaged and dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and supported by a committed staff, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has been the premier business advocate for economic development in the Bowling Green and Warren County. The President & CEO will benefit from the community’s “oneness” attitude, contagious spirit, and warm people who truly believe in their community. The incoming executive will have the chance to elevate this vibrant organization, expanding its impact, and shaping its continued success in the years ahead. 

Contacts

If you know an outstanding chamber of commerce or economic development executive or other business leader who meets these requirements and would be interested in evaluating this dynamic opportunity, please email: BGAC@Waverly-Partners.com

Heidi Milosovic, Managing Partner 

WAVERLY PARTNERS | a Ward Howell company      

O: 440.355.6629; M: 216.387.0832 | E: HMilosovic@Waverly-Partners.com                       

Sara Cikalo, Partner

WAVERLY PARTNERS | a Ward Howell company             

O: 440.933.0096; M: 440.821.4437 | E: SCikalo@Waverly-Partners.com

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and WAVERLY PARTNERS firmly support the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

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Technology & Research Manager (Economic Development) — Full-Time (Non-Exempt)

Location: Chamber Headquarters | Reports to: Senior Director of Regional Economic Development

Why this role exists

You are the primary architect for the Chamber’s digital infrastructure and data-driven decision-making—making sure our economic development work is powered by clean systems, automated workflows, and decision-grade research.

What you’ll own

1) CRM + systems that work

• Be the internal expert for HubSpot/CC Assist/Eventbrite and knowledge/data tools, ensuring they meet cross-department needs.
• Provide first-line support for business applications and coordinate hardware/network issues through outsourced IT; manage vendor relationships tied to technology/security support.

2) Automation that eliminates manual work

• Build and maintain automations across Microsoft 365 (SharePoint, Outlook, Teams, Forms, Excel) and HubSpot.
• Maintain a documented inventory of automations with owners, dependencies, and alerts/error-handling.

3) Dashboards + Scorecards that drive action

• Develop and maintain dashboards and EOS Scorecards that show ROI and performance to partners and boards.

4) Research that turns into decisions

• Lead collection/analysis of regional economic, workforce, and demographic data; maintain a documented dataset cadence (monthly/quarterly/annual) with sources, refresh dates, and storage location.
• Translate research into specific decisions: go/no-go inputs, board-ready recommendations, RFI tables, and investor communications.

5) High-trust communication

• Prepare and deliver reports and updates; communicate KPIs clearly; maintain confidentiality; build strong relationships across stakeholders.

 

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume to Meredith Wilson, meredith@bgchamber.com.