Korn Ferry · 11 hours ago
President and Chief Executive Officer
Columbia, MO
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$120K/yr - $180K/yr
10+ years expKorn Ferry is seeking a President and Chief Executive Officer for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, who will provide strategic leadership to advance the Chamber’s mission of driving commerce and supporting a thriving business community. The CEO will oversee operational activities, advocate for policies that support business competitiveness, and drive initiatives that enhance the economic health and workforce pipeline of Columbia and Boone County.
Management Consulting
Responsibilities
Develop, relaunch, and execute a multi‑year strategic plan that clarifies purpose, priorities, measurable outcomes, and annual operating goals; ensure visible alignment across staff, board, and programs
Partner with the Board of Directors on governance, agenda‑setting, risk management, and organizational performance; deliver timely, transparent reports and recommendations
Position the Chamber as a trusted regional convener and thought leader, advancing inclusive collaboration across sectors to address community priorities
Serve as the Chamber’s primary spokesperson and advocate, developing well‑reasoned policy positions and representing the business community with city, county, and state officials
Strengthen government and education relationships (City/Mayor/City Manager, REDI, University of Missouri, public schools, regional colleges) to coordinate civic priorities and policy messaging
Increase the Chamber’s influence on key policy topics—public safety, homelessness, housing, and regulatory issues—through informed positions, coalition‑building, and proactive communication
Oversee finance and operations—annual budgeting, monthly financials, expense control, audits, and asset stewardship—to ensure sound, compliant management
Stabilize and develop a high‑performing staff team by clarifying roles, setting expectations, coaching performance, supporting professional development, and improving morale/retention
Strengthen core systems and processes (program planning, event execution, communications, scheduling, CRM/membership ops) to reduce administrative burden and improve delivery quality
Grow, retain, and re‑engage membership—with special attention to small businesses—by delivering a clear value proposition, targeted services, and consistent member communications
Modernize and diversify revenue (dues, sponsorships, events, and new offerings) to enhance financial resilience and align pricing/benefits with market needs
Lead and coordinate regional economic development partnerships—especially with REDI, major employers, and education partners—to support business retention, expansion, and attraction
Advance workforce development initiatives that align employer needs with K–12, higher‑education, and training pipelines, addressing the region’s open‑jobs demand with measurable outcomes
Support entrepreneurship, small-business growth, and innovation through programming and partnerships that strengthen the startup ecosystem and under‑represented enterprises
Qualification
Required
At least ten years of senior leadership experience overseeing multiple functional areas within a chamber of commerce, economic development organization, membership association, public agency, or similarly complex nonprofit
Demonstrated success stabilizing teams, improving operations, and rebuilding culture following periods of turnover, fragmentation, or strategic drift
Proven ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors, providing strong governance partnership, transparent communication, and disciplined execution of strategic priorities
Experience leading or partnering in economic and workforce development, including business retention/expansion, employer engagement, small-business support, and collaboration with REDI and education partners
Strong background in public policy, government affairs, or government relations, with the ability to navigate Columbia's politically diverse environment and represent business interests on key issues such as public safety, housing, and workforce readiness
Strong financial management acumen, including budget development, fiscal oversight, revenue diversification, and stewardship of lean organizational resources
A high‑trust, relationship‑driven leader with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement—qualities essential for restoring credibility and building long‑term organizational stability
Bachelor's degree required
Preferred
Advanced degree in public policy, community development, social work, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred
Benefits
Health benefits
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development
Other benefits
Company
Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry is a global consulting firm that powers performance.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Korn Ferry has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
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2025 (11)
2024 (11)
2023 (5)
2022 (16)
2021 (12)
2020 (25)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Abigail Markley
Senior Consultant - CEO Impact Accelerator
Alicen Blair
Principal - Executive Search / CEO & Board Services
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