Jeb A. Conrad has been named President & CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce after verbally accepting the formal offer extended by the organization’s board of directors this morning. Conrad will assume his new duties on May 16, replacing Christy Gillenwater who left the position in early January. The announcement was made today by Chamber board of director and chair of the search committee, Jim Whitlatch.
Conrad comes to the position with extensive experience in government affairs, economic development and marketing communications. He was formally the president & CEO of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, a position he had held since late 2008. A graduate of Indiana University with a B.S. from the Kelley School of Business, Conrad and his family will relocate from Kokomo to Bloomington during the next few weeks.
“Jeb brings a range of critical experiences and a great knowledge of The Chamber’s key focus areas. He has forged a broad network and is highly respected throughout the state for his dynamic leadership and ability to inspire collaboration on complex issues that impact business,” said Whitlatch. “We’re excited to welcome Jeb to Bloomington and are confident that he will continue to build on the successful momentum of this organization while sharpening our focus in several significant areas.”
The national executive search for The Chamber’s new President & CEO began in late January after Gillenwater accepted the position as president & CEO of The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana based in Evansville. Jim Shelton, who has served as the interim President & CEO, will step down once Conrad begins later this month. Shelton will continue his role as The Chamber’s Government Relations Manager – County.
“On behalf of The Chamber’s board of directors, I thank Jim for his leadership during this time of transition. I also thank the members of the search committee who were committed to finding an exceptional leader for The Chamber,” added Whitlatch.
