President & Chief Executive Officer

Lexingtonchamber; Lexington (NC); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking a President & CEO to drive mission, growth, and community impact for Lexington and Davidson County. You will lead financial, operational, and strategic functions, elevate the chamber's policy and public presence, and build strong partnerships with business and civic leaders.

You will champion signature events, recruit and retain members, mentor staff, and ensure modern governance and competitive compensation practices in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Proven executive leadership experience with financial oversight, strategic planning, and team management.
• Outstanding public speaking and media relations skills.
• Strong ability to build partnerships and lead strategic initiatives.
• Proven track record managing events and large programs.
• Tech-savvy with comfort using modern digital tools and collaboration platforms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial, operational, and strategic functions to ensure sustainable growth.
• Lead public policy initiatives and engage with business, civic, and regional leaders.
• Identify new revenue streams and strategic partnerships to drive value.
• Partner with the Board to shape long-term strategy, budgets, and governance.
• Serve as primary spokesperson and elevate the chamber's brand and media presence.
• Direct staff leadership, mentoring, and a positive workplace culture.

Skills

Executive leadership

Public speaking

Media relations

Strategic planning

Partnership development

Event management

Team building

Digital tools proficiency

Job description

Position: President & Chief Executive Officer
Organization: Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce
Reports To: Board of Directors / Board Chair
Direct Reports: Membership Services Manager, Office Administrator

The Opportunity

Are you a visionary leader, strategic connector, and passionate advocate for community growth? The Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking President & CEO to drive our mission, elevate our local business ecosystem, and reimagine how a modern chamber serves its community. If you thrive on breaking out of traditional boxes, building powerful partnerships, and transforming big ideas into measurable impact, this is your platform to make a lasting mark.

1. Visionary Leadership & Strategic Growth

• Drive Organizational Excellence: Oversee all financial, operational, and strategic functions to ensure the Chamber remains a profitable, sustainable, and indispensable resource for the local business community.
• Fuel Economic & Policy Impact: Lead public policy initiatives and collaborate closely with key business, civic, and regional leaders to foster a thriving economic climate.
• Unlock New Opportunities: Identify innovative revenue streams, strategic partnerships, and modernized member benefits that drive value and sustainable growth.

2. Governance & Collaborative Leadership

• Partner with the Board: Work hand-in-hand with the Board Chair and Board of Directors to shape long‑term strategy, set annual budgets, and drive organizational governance.
• Empower Committees: Guide and inspire Member Committees, Board Officers, and volunteer leaders to maximize engagement, strategy alignment, and operational success.

3. Community Catalyst & Signature Events

• Champion Key Initiatives: Oversee the strategy and execution of high‑impact community programs and flagship events (e.g. Annual Meeting, Business Expo, State of the Community, Shop Local Campaign, Leadership Davidson County, Alive After Five, Legislative Briefings, and more).
• Champion Local Business: Lead member recruitment, relationship‑building, and retention strategies alongside the Membership Services Manager to ensure an inclusive and active business network.

4. Voice of the Chamber & Brand Ambassador

• Be the Primary Spokesperson: Serve as the chief advocate and voice for Lexington’s business community across all media channels, public forums, and stakeholder meetings.
• Elevate Media & Public Relations: Develop modern media strategies to elevate the Chamber’s presence, brand reputation, and thought leadership.

5. Team Empowerment & Culture

• Lead & Mentor Staff: Direct, mentor, and empower internal staff, cultivating a high‑performing, collaborative, and positive workplace culture.
• Operational Integrity: Ensure modern business practices, clear delegation, competitive compensation strategies, and compliance with all HR standard practices.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven Executive Experience: 5+ years of leadership experience with significant responsibility in financial oversight, strategic planning, and team management (Chamber, non‑profit, economic development or business leadership preferred).
• Innovative & Entrepreneurial Mindset: A track record of thinking outside the box to solve complex community and business challenges.
• Master Communicator: Exceptional public speaking, media relations, listening, and interpersonal skills. You can command a room and connect effortlessly with diverse stakeholders—from small business owners to state officials.
• Strategic Event & Project Manager: Outstanding organizational and time management skills, with the ability to orchestrate multi‑faceted programs and events seamlessly.
• Tech‑Savvy: Tech‑literate and adaptable to modern digital tools, operational software, and collaborative technology.

Work Environment & Physical Expectations

Maintain regular executive office hours while actively representing the Chamber at off‑site events, early morning briefings, and evening networking functions. Light physical requirements standard to event coordination (occasional set‑up support, lifting/carrying materials under 25 lbs).

Why Lexington and Davidson County?

This is an opportunity to lead a vital community institution into its next era of growth. You won’t just be running an office, you’ll be shaping the future of Lexington and Davidson County’s economic and civic landscape.