Leadership Shuffles at Marion-Grant Chamber
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce has selected Charles Wallace as president and chief executive officer. He succeeds Michelle Bunker, who has accepted another job in Marion. Wallace is set to take over the role next week. October 29, 2013
News Release
MARION, Ind. – Charles Wallace, a long-time Marion business owner and civic leader, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce. He will begin his new assignment Monday, November 4.
Wallace will replace Michelle Bunker, who resigned in September to take a new job in Marion. Bunker had been with the Chamber for seven years and had served as President/CEO since September 2012.
In addition, Cory Matchette has been promoted to the newly created position of Chief Operations Officer for the Chamber after serving for six years as the organization's Vice President of Community Relations. Both appointments were approved by the Board of Directors of the Chamber at its monthly meeting on Friday.
“We could not have found two people who are more committed, first to Grant County, and second to the Chamber, than Charlie Wallace and Cory Matchette,” said Jim Widner, Chairman of the Chamber board. “Both have chosen Grant County as their home and their workplace. Over the past seven years, Cory has been part of a successful team that has laid a strong foundation for the Chamber. We are confident that the new team will lead the Chamber to even higher levels of success.”
Rhonda Emmons, the third member of the Chamber team, will continue as Office Administrator. She has been employed by the Chamber for 18 years.
Wallace was CEO, President and Owner of Ross Supply Co., Inc., from 1987 to 2009 and served as Executive Director of the Marion Housing Authority from 1970 to 1987. Wallace was born in Colorado but has lived in Marion since 1968. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1994. He has served as president of the boards of the Grant County YMCA and the Grant County Economic Growth Council and as vice president of the Chamber of Commerce Board.
Wallace's wife, Bernardine, is the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer at Marion General Hospital. The couple has six children.
Matchette is a native of Marion and a graduate of Marion High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree, with honors, in marketing and business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2001. In her role as Chamber vice president over the past six years, Matchette was the primary communications officer for the organization. She previously worked six years as the Marketing Director for Afena Federal Credit Union.
Matchette's husband, Josh, is the Secretary/Treasurer for Bowman Construction Co., Inc. The couple has two children.
The Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1904. The chamber will have its annual dinner Friday night at Meshingomesia Golf and Social Club.
Source: Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce