President & Chief Executive Officer

About the role

The President & Chief Executive Officer position is located in Commerce Lexington’s offices at 330 East Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507. The CEO 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 a staff of 22 employees and 3 interns.

Responsibilities

• 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 levels.
• Identify emerging economic opportunities and position Commerce Lexington to respond strategically and proactively.
• Balance bold, forward-thinking leadership with thoughtful, disciplined decision-making.
• 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 growth.
• Ensure Commerce Lexington remains a vital convener, connecting business leaders and fostering collaboration across sectors.
• Lead, mentor, and support a high-performing professional team.
• Foster a collaborative, empowered workplace culture with clear expectations, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop emerging leaders and promote succession planning across key areas.
• Provide decisive leadership and direction when organizational priorities require clarity and focus.
• Maintain a positive, high-trust environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, and professional growth.
• Represent the membership and foster strong relationships across business, government, higher education, and civic sectors.
• Act as a skilled convener who brings diverse stakeholders together around shared regional goals.
• Maintain a strong and visible presence throughout the Lexington region, representing Commerce Lexington in public forums, media, and community initiatives.
• Ensure effective management of all Commerce Lexington operations, programs, and resources.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Partner with the Board to develop and execute revenue strategies that support mission and vision.

Requirements

Significant Board interaction is strongly desired. 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.

Qualifications

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.

Skills

The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

Commerce Lexington offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare coverage, retirement, paid holidays, and other paid time off. Additional perquisites and some relocation assistance may be provided.

Pay

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.

Schedule

The President & CEO position is full-time.