With longtime leader retiring, Commerce Lexington starts search for next president and CEO
Lexington’s chamber of commerce is beginning a national search for its next leader.
Commerce Lexington is using a third-party executive search firm to replace its longtime president and CEO, Bob Quick, who is retiring at the end of July.
The firm, Waverly Partners, has experience recruiting leaders for nonprofits, associations and chambers of commerce, according to an email from Commerce Lex.
“The Commerce Lexington Board is committed to identifying a leader who will build upon the organization’s strong mission and continue advancing its impact throughout the community,” 2026 Executive Board Chair Nick Nicholson said.
The firm will identify a candidate for the job that aligns with the chamber’s mission and strategic vision. Waverly Partners is welcoming input from stakeholders as part of the process. No timeline for the search was provided in the email.
The president and CEO job posting boasts Commerce Lex’s regional growth strategy and collaborative economic development efforts, and lists current and emerging priorities for the group as talent attraction, entrepreneurship, innovation economy growth, advanced manufacturing recruitment, biotechnology and the continued expansion of the healthcare, technology and equine sectors.
It also explains that regional leaders are increasingly interested in entertainment districts, tourism infrastructure and mixed-use development projects.
The next leader will manage and supervise 22 employees and three interns, including the chamber’s executive vice presidents, senior vice presidents, communications staff, policy officers and other staff.
Not many of the actual job duties are changing. The president and CEO will still be responsible for providing a clear and strategic vision for the chamber, strengthening relationships with members and investors, overseeing financial planning and maintaining a visible presence throughout the Lexington region.
Pay is not advertised in the job posting, though it will be competitive based on a candidate’s experience and knowledge.
Commerce Lexington is a nonprofit business organization with more than 1,900 member investors. The organization works with and on their behalf to advance business growth and enhance the quality of life in Fayette County and Central Kentucky. With its members as well as public and private partners, Commerce Lex leads initiatives for economic development, regional competitiveness and more.
The chamber announced Quick was retiring earlier this year in February.
“It has been an honor to serve this organization and work alongside such a dedicated team, board, and community partners,” he said in the email. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to seeing the organization continue to thrive.”
Under Quick’s leadership, which has spanned nearly 25 years, three groups became one: the chamber of commerce, an economic development agency and a workforce development partnership.
Since, he’s led a nine-county competitiveness initiative, created a philanthropic arm for the chamber and launched an annual visit to Washington, D.C., where regional leaders advocate for local priorities in meetings with Kentucky’s congressional delegation.
Quick has expanded the chamber’s internal programs, including the economic development tools the staff use to promote overall business growth in Lexington, Fayette County and surrounding communities. He has also enhanced the chamber’s public policy programming and its community and minority business outreach initiatives.
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