President & CEO

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The Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC), established in 1909 through the merger of several local business groups, is a leading voice for the business community in the Dallas Region. Guided by its strategic plan, “Building Tomorrow Together,” the DRC focuses on driving economic growth and prosperity across the region. The organization is recognized nationally for its effectiveness, including being named National Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
The DRC Serves More Than 700 Member Companies And Is Supported By a Board Of Directors And Hundreds Of Volunteer Leaders. Its Core Work Centers On Four Strategic Focus Areas

• Prosperity & Economic Development: The DRC helps local companies grow, markets the Dallas Region to attract new talent and businesses, and fosters innovation through support for startups and university research.
• Education, Talent & Workforce: The DRC collaborates with educational institutions and employers to build a strong talent pipeline, prepare students and adult learners for the workforce, and retain local talent to meet regional employment needs.
• Public Policy: The DRC advocates for pro-business, pro-growth policies at the local, state, and national levels, working to protect Texas’s favorable business climate, improve educational funding, invest in infrastructure, and support the health and safety of all North Texans.
• Quality of Life: The DRC works to close opportunity gaps by supporting economic development in under- championed communities, building relationships between companies and public safety institutions, and strengthening the workforce by recruiting from underemployed populations.
  

The DRC’s initiatives are funded by investors in its Tomorrow Fund, and its activities are designed to enhance the quality of life and economic success for all people and communities in the Dallas Region.
The Role
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) will provide visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for one of the nation’s most respected business organizations. The CEO will be responsible for advancing the DRC’s mission of championing economic growth and prosperity across the Dallas Region, in close partnership with the Board, senior leadership team, and a network of committed staff, members, and volunteer leaders.
The CEO will act as a multifaceted leader – in effect, the Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Revenue Officer, Chief People Officer, and Chief Relationship Officer. They will set and communicate the overall vision and strategy for the organization, ensuring alignment with the DRC’s comprehensive strategic plan, “Building Tomorrow Together.” This includes overseeing the design and execution of integrated initiatives across the Chamber’s four core focus areas: Prosperity & Economic Development; Education, Talent & Workforce; Public Policy; and Quality of Life.
A proven leader, the CEO will build and lead a high-performing executive team, fostering a culture of collaboration, high standards, and innovation. They will bring disciplined execution, creative problem solving, and positive energy to the organization while embodying a strong EQ and ethical leadership.
Our Guiding Principles
Our guiding principles underpin everything we do. The Chief Executive Officer is expected to consistently demonstrate
the DRC’s GREAT guiding principles.

• Growth: We foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and personal and professional growth, empowering our team members to reach their full potential.
• Responsibility: We are self-starters who take ownership of our actions and commitments and honor our responsibilities to our teammates, members, partners, and community.
• Excellence: We strive for excellence in everything, delivering high-quality services, and experiences that drive positive outcomes for our members and the Dallas Region.
• Adaptability: We embrace the chance to improve every day, constantly looking for opportunities to help the Dallas Region be even better tomorrow than it is today.
• Teamwork: We play a team sport, working together to achieve common goals, making sure our teammates feel valued and included, and cheering each other on along the way.
  

Externally, the CEO will serve as the DRC’s chief connector - a dynamic communicator and relationship- builder who can engage with CEOs, business leaders, government officials, educational institutions, community partners, and the broader public. They will be responsible for strengthening the Chamber’s brand and reputation, and for expanding its impact across the region.
The CEO will oversee the organization’s operations and financial health, supported by a talented and committed staff and robust volunteer network. They will ensure the DRC remains at the forefront of economic development, advocating for pro-business public policies, driving business attraction and retention, supporting talent pipeline development, and advancing regional prosperity for all communities.
The successful candidate will be deeply passionate about building community, driven to expand opportunity, and motivated by the opportunity to lead an influential organization during a pivotal period of regional growth. They will be expected to proactively develop strong relationships and clearly communicate the Chamber’s vision and strategic priorities to diverse stakeholders. The CEO will also be responsible for stewarding and growing the DRC’s financial resources, including oversight of key funding initiatives such as the Tomorrow Fund, and for ensuring the Chamber’s continued operational excellence and long-term sustainability.
Candidate Profile
The Dallas Regional Chamber seeks a visionary, values-driven executive with a record of leading high impact organizations and teams. The ideal candidate will bring experience across strategy, operations, communications, and relationship development – and will thrive in complexity. They will embody the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and community commitment, and possess the agility and stamina to drive lasting regional prosperity.
In terms of the performance and personal competencies required for the position, we would highlight the following:
Setting Strategy

• Able to set bold, clear strategy while aligning diverse stakeholders behind a common vision
• Demonstrates vision, discipline, and organizational strength, with a track record of high standard
• Brings a political antenna and deep local knowledge; understands how to work across business, government, and civic sectors
• Thinks like a builder—constantly shaping teams, Boards, resources, and systems for long-term impact
  

Executing for Results

• Hard-working, ethical, and energized by the mission; goes above and beyond to deliver result
• Operates with high standards (“measure twice, cut once”) and brings operational rigor to all aspects of the role
• Understands how to build and cultivate a Board, manage team performance, and maintain financial discipline
• Brings a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and integrity to decisions and execution
  

Leading Teams

• Experience leading substantial organizations with large teams and significant visibility
• Recognized for developing talent, motivating senior leaders, and building cohesion across teams
• A captain of a strong senior team—able to attract top talent and unify them behind a common purpose
• Naturally brings out the best in others through active listening, transparency, and shared wins
  

Relationships and Influence

• A strong communicator—compelling speaker, writer/editor, and persuader who can make complex ideas accessible and actionable
• Natural connector of people and ideas, with a unique ability to “join the dots” and make introductions that matter
• Understands how to acquire and cultivate members and build long-lasting, trust-based relationships
• Brings positive energy and curiosity, always looking to increase engagement, investment, and shared purpose
• Passionate about building community and expanding opportunity for all.
  

Contacts
David Krahe
Russell Reynolds Associates
2001 Ross Avenue
Suite 4500
Dallas, TX 75201
Direct: +1-469-232-3557
Mobile: +1-214-686-5712
S t ephanie J. Tomasso
Russell Reynolds Associates
2001 K St NW Suite 300
Washington, DC 20006
Direct: +1-202-654-7843
Mobile: +1-202-236-5821
Nick Henderson
Russell Reynolds Associates
2001 Ross Avenue
Suite 4500
Dallas, TX 75201
Direct: +1-469-232-3534
Mobile: +1-412-608-8173
Amy B. Hayes
Russell Reynolds Associates
999 Peachtree St NE, Suite 2700
Atlanta, GA 30309-4521
Direct: +1-404-880-5164
Mobile: +1-404-353-5452

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Business Development and Sales

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations

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