Scion Executive Search has been engaged to identify a visionary leader to serve as the President & CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, a cornerstone organization within the community championing business growth and prosperity in The Woodlands and Montgomery County, Texas. With over 1,300 members, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic force in the local business landscape, dedicated to serving as the pathway to opportunity for the greater Houston business community and working to improve the area’s economy. The Chamber is committed to propelling its members to new heights of success while advocating for policies that promote a vibrant business environment.

ABOUT THE WOODLANDS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce stands as the premier and largest business and professional association in the greater Houston area, with a membership of 1,300 businesses representing almost 5,000 individual members. This $2 million non-profit organization serves The Woodlands area as the essential resource for the business community, offering a wide array of programs and services. The Chamber works to improve the area’s economy by advocating for the business community, creating marketing and connection opportunities, serving as a professional and community resource, and supporting local nonprofits.

The Chamber actively advocates for businesses, ensuring their concerns are addressed in five key areas: sustainable growth, natural resources, crime prevention, health care and education & workforce. The Chamber also provides additional resources to support business empowerment, including a comprehensive business directory that facilitates connections between the membership and the community. By joining The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, businesses gain access to a robust support network and a wealth of tools designed to help them achieve success.

ABOUT THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS:

The Woodlands was developed in the early 1970s as a suburban community with a focus on preserving natural beauty and promoting a high quality of life. Today, it's one of the most affluent and well-planned communities in the state, offering a diverse range of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and recreational amenities.

The Woodlands area is a flourishing hub of business opportunity that has demonstrated consistent economic growth since the community’s founding. Intentionally designed to foster a dynamic commercial landscape, The Woodlands area embraces both large corporations and charming local businesses that thrive alongside each other. From healthcare and professional services to trendy restaurants and niche retail, the demand is high. This constant growth, coupled with the Township’s commitment to development, creates the ideal ecosystem for small businesses and large corporations to prosper. As a community, The Woodlands is a recognized leader with high accolades including being named the #1 Best City in the United States to buy a house in 2024 by Niche for the second year in a row. The Woodlands has also consistently been included in the top ten rankings by Niche on its annual list of the best places to live, raise a family, retire, and best public education.

In addition to its booming economic landscape, one of the defining features of The Woodlands is its commitment to environmental conservation. The community is characterized by lush forests, scenic parks, and winding nature trails, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. Overall, The Woodlands offers a blend of suburban tranquility, natural beauty, and urban conveniences, making it a highly desirable place to live, work, and play in the greater Houston area.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The incoming President & CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's future trajectory and the community as a whole. This seasoned leader will be entrusted with the vision, management, and strategic positioning of the Chamber, leveraging its strengths and robust network to drive membership growth and engagement. Working closely with the esteemed Board of Directors, the President & CEO will have the opportunity to shape the Chamber's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with the Chamber’s mission and values and the evolving needs of The Woodlands area.

With a focus on innovation and expansion, the successful candidate will lead efforts to elevate the Chamber's influence, amplify its advocacy efforts, and enhance its service offerings to best support and serve Chamber members at all levels. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO serves as the primary staff point of contact for Chamber members, the Executive Committee, key external stakeholders and community leaders, and elected officials. In this capacity, the role will oversee the management of Chamber property, business affairs, and staff, taking responsibility for initiating, implementing, and evaluating all aspects of Chamber activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• and maintain strong, positive relationships with Chamber members, local businesses, government officials, and community stakeholders.
• regularly with members to understand their needs, gather feedback, and ensure their active participation in Chamber activities.
• collaboration and connection opportunities that benefit the membership base and enhance community ties.
• and implement priority projects, programs, and member services in alignment with the Board of Directors' short-term goals and long-term vision.
• the development of Chamber long-range planning efforts to meet organizational goals.
• new programs or the elimination of existing ones as needed to best serve Chamber membership.
• opportunities for new Chamber services and potential profit centers to drive organizational growth.
• industry trends and successful programs for adaptation to local needs.
• as the primary liaison and spokesperson for the Chamber with members, media, government entities, economic development agencies, and associations at local, state, and national levels.
• the organization on relevant boards, committees, and task forces.
• to the Board and in collaboration with the Director of Finance & Operations, develop annual income, expenditure, and cash flow projections.
• oversight of all expenditures to ensure financial stability.
• the Chamber remains technologically current to meet the needs of members and staff.
• as secretary to the Board of Directors, overseeing notices, agendas, and meeting minutes.
• as called upon with the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Economic Development Partnership, and other relevant teams and task forces.
• hire, and supervise all Chamber employees, including managing compensation, conducting annual evaluations, and maintaining job descriptions.
• employee training, continuing education, and goal setting to support individual and organizational growth.
• engage with, and lead volunteer groups servicing the Chamber’s programs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• character and integrity, with a commitment to ethical leadership and decision-making.
• years of progressive business experience, with a proven track record of leadership and strategic management preferred.
• Degree or higher in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• ability to lead by example, prioritizing the needs of members, staff, and the community, fostering a culture of service, collaboration, and empowerment.
• skills in building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including business leaders, government officials, and community members.
• track record of hands-on, servant leadership and operational management.
• strategic thinking capabilities, with the ability to develop and implement long-term plans that align with the Chamber’s mission and goals.
• success in developing and implementing strategic plans, programs, and initiatives within a business association or nonprofit organization.
• financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, financial analysis, and fiscal management.
• communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including members, government officials, and the media.
• in personnel management, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluation.
• to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities and challenges.
• to the mission and values of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, with a passion for promoting business growth and community development.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

In addition to a competitive base salary, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce enhances the compensation package with employer-paid health insurance, as well as basic life and long-term disability insurance. Additional benefits include a 401(k) with employer matching contributions, paid vacation and paid holidays.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:

The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce has retained the services of Scion Executive, a national executive search firm specializing in corporate recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/11557.

Please address applications to:

Sydney Burnham, Executive Search Principal

Scion Executive Search

(888) 487-8850

Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.