For Immediate Release
Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce Selects New President and CEO
The Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce (CACC) announced today they have completed the search for a permanent replacement for its’ President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Jessica Killough has agreed to accept the position and will start the beginning of next year.
“We are excited that Jess will be joining the CACC’s Team,” state Tina Held, Chair of the CACC’s Board of Directors. “We believe she will help make the Charleston area both a better place to live and — do business with, ” adds Held. The Search Committee, Executive Board and full Board of Directors approved Jess for the position.
Earlier this summer, Cindy White retired as President & CEO after 20+ years of service. In the interim, Jordan Landeck, CACC Communication & Event Coordinator assumed the role.
“We want to publicly say what we have shared with Jordan privately: She did a very good job during the past 5+ months continuing to keep the CACC moving in the right direction,” states Erin Walters, Search Committee Chair. Ms. Landeck will continue to serve the CACC membership in her previous role as well.
Jess Killough is a 15+ year Charleston native, presently resides in Charleston having graduated from Charleston High School and Eastern Illinois University with a B.A. and M.A. in Communication Studies. She currently serves the Mattoon Area YMCA as their Marketing Director and previously as the Program Director of the Mattoon Arts Council. Jess also has been Interim Communication Specialist for the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce and the Manager, Events and Community Engagement with PAWS Chicago, a large animal rescue non-for-profit.
“I’m very pleased to join the CACC staff,” states Ms. Killough. “I look forward to both renewing old friendships and establishing new ones for the betterment of the Charleston area,” she adds.
The Board of Directors selected from their Board membership a Search Committee of four (4). The Committee both evaluated the role of President & CEO as well as help determine the needs of the CACC moving forward. The Board also retained the services of a Charleston-based human resources/business consulting firm, Jeff Baker, SPHR, Principal of The Jeff Baker Company.
For nearly 100 years, the CACC has served as the voice of business in the community, promoting area business and fostering community prosperity through advocacy, access to leaders, economic development, connectivity and business education.