Naperville Area Chamber Names New CEO

After five years of serving as the head of the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce, Mike Evans will now take his experience to the Naperville business community.

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce named Evans as its new president and CEO last week.

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“I am thrilled to be taking the reigns of the Naperville Area Chamber, which has an outstanding reputation as an advocate for businesses and a resource for Members,” Evans said in a news release. “Thanks to the board and staff, in particular my colleague and interim president Tami Andrew, this chamber is in an extremely strong position."

“I am confident we will capitalize on past successes and deliver outstanding results for the membership,” Evans added.

Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman Shane Beard said Evans exhibited the right skills, energy and experience after serving as Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce CEO since 2007. 

“We selected a leader who is innovative and results-driven,” Beard said in a news release. “Mike Evans has the creativity, vigor and track record that will help the Chamber achieve success for our membership and community.”

Under his leadership, the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce experienced significant growth in membership, brought new programs to market and developed a reputation as an advocate for the business community, according to the release. 

“The Naperville Area Chamber has a well deserved five-star reputation and is considered one of the elite business advocacy organizations in the country,” Evans said in the release. “While the staff has helped lead this chamber to success, I know ultimately it’s the outstanding Members who make this Chamber second to none in the region. I look forward to accomplishing great things together.”

Dr. Cathy Subber chaired the selection committee, which included several board members and outside community business leaders. The selection committee recommended Evans based on his record, but was also swayed by his passion and enthusiasm for the chamber industry, according to the release. 

“Leading a chamber requires a unique mix of talents; being a great networker, connecting the community’s varied interests, having an outstanding work ethic, possessing political savvy and having the ability to channel the talents and interests of 1,400 businesses,” said Dr. Subber, who is also the incoming chair of the board. “I know when the membership has a chance to meet and work with Mike, they will be impressed with his dedication to help our business community succeed.”

Evans is anticipated to officially assume duties of the president and CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber Dec. 10.

Information from the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce