DENHAM SPRINGS, La. – The Board of Directors for the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce has announced it is seeking to hire a new chief executive officer to lead the nearly 500-member-strong organization into the future, with its sights on attracting leadership that will help to strengthen membership involvement and build greater partnerships with local and state leaders.
“This is an important moment for our Chamber, and the Board is united in its commitment to a thoughtful and forward-looking leadership search,” said Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Ross Kinchen. “Our goal is to honor the progress that has been made while identifying the right leader to help us build on that foundation and serve our members for years to come.”
“Livingston Parish is positioned for exciting investments that can positively build upon our tremendous community atmosphere and quality of life that we so value. Our Chamber of Commerce needs to continue to be a leader in fostering a positive environment for that growth and investment,” Kinchen said. “A top priority for our new director will be to grow and optimize member involvement and to strengthen relationships with business and government leaders.”
Kinchen said the board plans to hire a regional consulting firm to assist in the transition of leadership by actively exploring qualified candidate options for the leadership post. He said an announcement and hiring timeline will be made when that firm is selected.
The post recently became vacant after former CEO April Wehrs resigned the position. Wehrs has served as the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce CEO for the past 15 years and helped guide a significant period of growth for the organization.
“It has been my honor and privilege to lead the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce,” Wehrs said. “I’ve accomplished and been part of more than even I dreamed, thanks to the support of the incredible business leaders, professionals and stakeholders I’ve been surrounded by.”
During her tenure, she helped strengthen the Chamber’s organizational and financial foundation, led the effort to acquire the organization’s current headquarters on Veterans Boulevard in Denham Springs, and she helped launch the Leadership Livingston Program that has successfully completed more than 33 projects across the parish valued at more than $1.5 million in community investment.
Wehrs also assisted with the formation and founding of the Livingston Chamber Foundation, and she helped to launch the organization’s Women’s Leadership Program and Young Professionals Program to create opportunities for leadership development and community involvement across Livingston Parish.
“We are grateful to April for her many years of service and for the lasting contributions she made to the Chamber and our parish,” Kinchen said. “The Board looks forward to working together with our members, staff and community partners as we build on that legacy and move the Chamber confidently into its next chapter.”
For more information on the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce, including a list of events and sponsored programs, visit www.livingstonparishchamber.org.
