Greater Lafayette Commerce begins search for new CEO
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Greater Lafayette Commerce has tapped executive search firm Jorgenson Pace Inc. to conduct a national search for its next president and CEO. The move follows the departure of Scott Walker, who stepped down in January to take on another role in Louisiana.
Jorgenson Pace specializes in executive searches for chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and nonprofits.
The firm will work with a search committee formed by GLC that includes chamber members, and local leaders from the cities of Lafayette and West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County and Purdue University.
“The next CEO of Greater Lafayette Commerce will step into a unique opportunity to lead through transformation,” search committee chair Tim Schooler said in a news release. “We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader who can connect the region’s assets to national and global trends, ensure inclusive growth and help write the next chapter of success for our community.”
The chamber said the new CEO will be tasked with helping guide the momentum of the planned I-65 “Hard Tech Corridor” focused on semiconductor development and the growth of small and medium-sized businesses.
“Greater Lafayette Commerce has led the community through unprecedented growth and development,” said Rachel Hazaray, chairperson of the GLC board of directors. “We are seeking a CEO who will continue it and build upon it for the success not only of Greater Lafayette but the region as a whole while—supporting industry, small business and community initiatives to further our outstanding quality of life.”
Walker announced in December he would step down to become CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and Chamber. During his tenure, Walker helped secure $2.5 billion in investment that led to the creation of more than 5,000 jobs, the chamber said.
The chamber did not provide an estimated timeline for finding Walker’s successor.