Christian Keisler sees his interim role as Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO as a way to help the Chamber “evolve” and “think strategically” about past and future economic development.
Keisler joined KVOE’s Morning Show on Tuesday, shortly after he accepted the role Monday. He says this is a good time to review operations with an eye towards the future.
In a statement Monday, the city said the move is designed to give the Chamber “time to stabilize operations, assess needs and ensure a strong foundation before selecting long-term leadership.”
Keiser’s announcement was one of several affecting short-term operations inside the Trusler Business Center on Monday:
*Matt Fowler, initially planning to serve as Visit Emporia’s interim director into October after the resignation of LeLan Dains earlier this year, is now staying on as interim director into December .The city also has announced a special advisory support board with representation from t he Chamber, city, Main Street, Emporia State, Flint Hills Technical College, Lyon County and USD 253 Emporia as a way to discuss ” establishing a long-term structure and strategy for tourism promotion.”
*The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas Board of Directors reached an agreement so current Interim President Lyle Butler will remain in place until a permanent leader is hired.
8 pm Monday: Following selection of Keisler as interim Chamber CEO and extension with Fowler as interim VIsit Emporia director, searches on pause for both permanent positions
Searches for permanent leaders to guide the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Emporia are currently on hold for now, but not before several key decisions on the agencies’ short-term future.
Before pausing the search for the Chamber, the agency’s Board of Directors approved local realtor Christian Keisler as its interim president and chief executive officer. Keisler follows longtime president and CEO Jeanine McKenna, who recently left Emporia to lead the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation.
The move is designed to give the Chamber “time to stabilize operations, assess needs and ensure a strong foundation before selecting long-term leadership,” according to a news release from the city of Emporia.
At Visit Emporia, Matt Fowler will remain as interim director until at least December. Fowler was initially set to stay on board until at least October following the resignation of LeLan Dains earlier this year.
An advisory board with representatives of the Chamber, city, Main Street, Emporia State, Flint Hills Technical College, Lyon County and USD 253 Emporia in what the city calls a support role, giving Visit Emporia time “to focus on establishing a long-term structure and strategy for tourism promotion.”
These decisions were announced shortly after the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas Board of Directors and Interim President Lyle Butler reached an agreement for Butler to remain in his current position until a permanent president is hired.
These moves also come as leadership teams from the Chamber, RDA and Visit Emporia have started meetings with the city and Main Street to discuss best ways to improve coordination while limiting duplication between agencies and strengthening partnerships.
*Click here for KVOE News’ coverage of Monday’s RDA meeting.
Keisler will join KVOE’s Morning Show at 6:50 am Tuesday to discuss his interim role in more detail.
