Leadership Churn

Leadership churn, including the retirement and replacement of chamber CEOs, key staff, volunteer business executives, and other community pillars, poses significant challenges to chamber stability. The loss of seasoned leaders results in a gap in institutional knowledge, and sometimes loss of long-running chamber champions, necessitating the development of new leaders.

Turnover among CEOs and key staff, from both inside and outside chambers, requires proactive strategies for leadership continuity and community engagement.

As experienced leaders retire, it becomes crucial to have already cultivated a pipeline of visionary leaders who can address local issues like housing, economic development and sustainability. Chambers must create strategies for engaging and educating the next generation of leadership within member companies, who may have different expectations, priorities and perspectives on the role of the chamber. Similarly, chambers should have a succession plan for its own leadership.

• How do chamber leaders strive for continuity on their boards as leadership shift grows nationally?
• How can chambers cultivate the next generation of internal chamber leadership and strengthen succession planning?
• How can chambers identify and engage elected officials to shepherd growth and sustainability policies through the council or the legislature?

By the Numbers

ACCE Insights

• New CEO Resources: New chamber CEOs face a steep learning curve. How can you hit the ground running while navigating the unknown obstacles that will inevitably obstruct your path? ACCE created a series of resources to help.
• Chamber Executive: Building a Strong Employee Culture | Taking a Hard Look at Internal Culture
• Certificate in Chamber Management: ACCE’s Certificate in Chamber Management can serve as a great onboarding tool for new chamber employees. These flexible, on-demand courses cover industry topics and can be completed individually, focused on the employee’s role at the chamber, or as a comprehensive overview.
• Webinar Recording: Becoming an Employer of Choice - Creating a Sustaining a Positive Workplace
• Webinar Recording: Ask the Pros: Chamber Leadership Programs
• Chamber Executive: Engaging in Leadership

Chamber Examples

• The Bend Chamber of Commerce has a succession policy in the event of an expected or unexpected vacancy by the President/CEO. The document outlines processes for various situations and outlines a future leader mentorship plan to develop the leadership skills of senior management. | Related: Employee Handbook  
• The Tulsa Regional Chamber aims to develop the next generation of leaders through TYPROS, which organizes social gatherings, professional development and community projects for the region’s young professionals.

Smaller Chamber Examples

• Wooster Area Chamber's Leadership Wooster program trains leaders to build a stronger community through educational and networking opportunities. Now in its 27th year and with over 700 alumni, the program has become an ever-increasing network of graduates who have contributed to the community by serving on boards, improving the local parks system and supporting nonprofits and education institutions. 

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