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DULUTH — The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce has selected a national executive search firm to lead the recruitment of its next president and CEO, launching a nationwide search for a new leader of the regional business organization.
Chamber board Chair Tiffany Hughes announced the selection of the firm in a letter to Chamber members. The firm specializes in executive recruitment for chambers of commerce, trade associations and other membership-based organizations.
"The Chamber’s board of directors has selected Waverly Partners, a Ward Howell Company, to lead a nationwide search for our next president & CEO," Hughes wrote. "Waverly Partners specializes in executive searches and has extensive experience working with chambers of commerce, trade associations, and other member-driven organizations across the country."
The selection marks an important step in the Chamber's leadership transition, with the board turning to an outside firm to identify and evaluate candidates from Duluth and across the country.
Hughes said the Chamber expects to announce additional details about the search shortly, including a formal position description that will be available on the organization's website. Waverly Partners will then begin recruiting potential candidates at the local, regional and national levels.
"In the coming days, you can expect to see a formal announcement about the search, along with the position description posted on the Chamber’s website," Hughes wrote. "From there, Waverly Partners will begin actively recruiting and engaging prospective candidates locally, regionally, and nationally."
The search comes as the Chamber continues its work representing the interests of its members, supporting regional businesses and advancing economic development priorities in Duluth and the surrounding area.
Hughes emphasized that the board intends to conduct a comprehensive search while maintaining the organization's existing programs, services and strategic priorities.
"The Chamber’s board of directors is committed to conducting a thoughtful and thorough search for a leader who can build on the Chamber’s momentum, serve our members well, and help guide the organization into the next chapters of success," Hughes wrote.
"In the meantime, the work of the Chamber continues. The staff and board remain focused on serving our members well and advancing the priorities outlined in our strategic action plan."
The Chamber has not announced a timetable for completing the search or selecting its next president and CEO. Additional information about the position and recruitment process is expected to become available through the Chamber's website.
Hughes said the organization will continue communicating with members as the selection process advances.
"We’ll continue to keep our membership informed as the search progresses as there are meaningful updates to share," she wrote.
The appointment of Waverly Partners places the responsibility for recruiting candidates with a firm experienced in identifying executive leadership for membership organizations, while the Chamber's board retains responsibility for selecting its next chief executive.
