Job Description

Jorgenson Pace has been retained to conduct this executive search. A cover letter is required with your application. You can send to GLC@jorgensonpace.com

Position Summary

Greater Lafayette Commerce (GLC) is seeking a visionary, collaborative and strategic leader to serve as its next President and CEO—a trusted voice in the region and champion for its future. As the primary chamber of commerce and nonprofit economic development organization, GLC plays a pivotal role in shaping Greater Lafayette’s economic and community vitality. The CEO will be responsible for advancing GLC’s mission to promote economic prosperity and a superior quality of life. This role spans both chamber and economic development responsibilities and requires demonstrated experience in both areas.

The incoming CEO will serve as a catalyst, connecting institutional partners, civic leaders, and business stakeholders to align local assets with global trends. This role is about driving a forward-thinking strategy that taps into regional strengths and champions inclusive growth.

The ideal candidate is an adept relationship builder with proven leadership experience in guiding communities through transformation. They must be a credible, composed leader with a passion for the organization and region—able to build trust, listen with empathy, and engage meaningfully with diverse stakeholders. Additionally, the CEO will empower a high-performing staff, delegate effectively, and ensure operational excellence with a focus on strategic impact.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The President & CEO will report directly to the Greater Lafayette Commerce Board of Directors, comprised of 25 individuals, most of whom are leaders in both public and private companies, higher education and other respected local organizations. The President and CEO must effectively perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of a bold, measurable strategic vision for GLC, in alignment with the board and key stakeholders.
• Lead the organization with integrity and vision, fostering strong investor relations while managing a measurable capital plan that drives growth through investment, innovation and community-focused opportunities.
• Administer the development and implementation of annual activities and budgets and monitor the procedures and reports necessary for sound management. The CEO will manage an annual budget of $2.6 million.
• Lead a high-performing team of 16 staff members, including 11 full-time and five part-time professionals, committed to collaboration, excellence and community impact.
• Advance economic growth through business attraction, expansion and retention efforts across diverse industries and business sizes.
• Promote the Greater Lafayette region nationally and globally as a destination for business, talent and innovation.
• Align economic growth strategies with community development goals, workforce readiness, infrastructure investment and placemaking efforts.
• Foster new and advance existing partnerships and programs with Purdue University, Purdue Research Foundation, Ivy Tech Community College, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and other local, state, regional and national organizations.
• Ensure proper coordination and alignment among GLC’s programs and those led by business, community and regional partners.
• Work equitably with all stakeholders, institutions, organizations and levels of government for the betterment of the community.
• Maintain and enhance GLC’s programs and services, including networking, advocacy, small business and minority programs, trade shows and other community- and business-focused events.
• Work with the Board to identify, recruit and develop volunteer leadership to support the continuity and success of the organization.
• Regularly assess GLC’s programs and services to ensure relevance, effectiveness and efficiency; propose improvements and launch innovative new programs to meet contemporary needs.
• Collaborate with volunteers and partners to plan and execute investment missions, trade missions, delegate hostings and trade shows locally and internationally.
• Apply knowledge of public financing tools, including Tax Increment Financing (TIF), to support catalytic development and infrastructure investment aligned with strategic community objectives.
• Analyze reports and periodicals and engage with officials and agencies to stay informed on area facilities and services, commercial and industrial development and methods for implementing business and community development and advise the Board of Directors on any issues impacting the region.
• Serve as GLC’s official spokesperson and act as the primary liaison with government officials, trade organizations, media and key constituencies.
• Fulfill any special assignments or duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Professional Experience & Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. Minimum 15 years of senior leadership experience in an organization of similar size and scope, whether for-profit or nonprofit.

· Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic and capital plans for a multi-faceted organization.

· Strong financial management skills, including clear communication with investors and stakeholders.

· Proven track record of creating programs and initiatives that enhance economic vitality and quality of life.

· Strong background in public, private and media communications; excellent public speaking, writing and presentation skills. Skilled in articulating organizational goals, objectives and policy positions.

· Strong knowledge of business start-ups, entrepreneurship and capital sources.

· Experience in forging alliances across private, public and government sectors, including leadership of public-private partnerships.

· Skilled in promoting organizations, retaining members and increasing value and engagement.

· Experience advancing technology initiatives, including technology transfer, sponsored research partnerships with universities and knowledge-based job creation.

· Proven ability to build and manage programs and internal and external relationships.

· Experience in marketing and promoting a community and region.

· Understanding of workforce training and development, with a record of implementing successful programs in collaboration with educational partners.

· Experience in international business development is highly desirable.

· Skilled at building consensus across diverse constituencies and rallying community momentum around shared strategic goals.

· Knowledge of governance best practices and board relations.

· Experience managing grant funding, including post-award implementation and compliance.

· Background in working with companies and industries across all levels and sectors, aligning community and economic development efforts with economic priorities.

· Demonstrated ability to navigate and build relationships across business, education and civic sectors, with a strong systems-thinking mindset to identify connections, drive collaboration and support strategic, cross-sector solutions.

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Leadership & Personal Attributes

· A strategic thinker who unites institutions, industry and community assets, casts a bold vision and guides execution. Balances innovation with measurable outcomes and inspires others to follow.

· A transparent communicator who fosters trust by being candid about the business climate, responsive to stakeholder concerns, and committed to open dialogue that boosts morale and drives regional progress.

· A mission-driven collaborator who leads with authenticity and purpose, uniting partners around shared goals, navigating challenges with clarity, and celebrating successes that align with the organization’s core values.

· A relationship builder who aligns staff and stakeholders around shared goals and leads organizational change with clarity and confidence.

· A champion of inclusion who actively promotes diversity and works to develop, attract and retain minority-owned businesses and interests. 

· A natural networker who cultivates collaborative, productive relationships within and beyond the organization and maintains a broad, engaged network to advance GLC’s mission.

· A thoughtful and strategic influencer who gains support and consensus to achieve desired outcomes without relying on formal authority.

· Politically astute and confident in high-level interactions with executives, academic leaders and elected officials. Navigates complex dynamics with diplomacy and conviction.

· A holistic thinker who offers creative, realistic solutions and encourages stakeholder alignment.

· Adaptable and improvement-focused, always seeking new ways to deliver results and build long-term value.

· Committed to recruiting, empowering and motivating high-performing individuals. Embodies a servant leadership style that fosters team ownership and delivers high-impact results.

· A people developer who fosters professional growth by providing staff with meaningful development opportunities. Skilled in onboarding, coaching, performance feedback and empowering employees, while offering corrective action when needed.

· Demonstrated success in working with diverse groups to develop strategies that attract, retain and expand business and industry.

· Deep appreciation for Greater Lafayette’s quality of life, including its diverse community, top-ranked educational institutions and the talents of its citizens.

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