Naperville Chamber CEO Stepping Down

After just one year, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Mike Evans is stepping down. 

The Naperville Chamber of Commerce board said Monday the decision to not extend Evans' contract was mutual and he will be stepping down "immediately," according to chamber officials. 

"Evans cited his personal obligations and the demands of the job," officials said on the Naperville Chamber's website.

Evans honored the Naperville Chamber of Commerce in a written statement.

“This Chamber is a remarkable organization with outstanding members. It has been my honor to lead it during its centennial anniversary,” Evans wrote. “At this time however, my obligations to my children and family come first, so in consultation with the Board, we decided that not renewing was in both our interests. I am especially proud of everything we were able to accomplish together.”

Evans previously served as the head of the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce for five years before being selected as the Naperville Chamber of Commerce CEO in November 2012. 

The board will conduct a search process for a permanent successor in the coming weeks, according to officials. Applications for the position are not currently being accepted. 

In the meantime, Executive Director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance, Katie Wood, will act as chief executive for the Chamber later this week, officials said. 

“Over the past several months we’ve made remarkable progress in our efforts to be the most relevant and effective regional Chamber in the state,” said Cathy Subber, chairman of the board of directors. “While this decision brings additional change to the Chamber, I assure our members we will not lose our focus. The Chamber will continue to promote our businesses, help members grow, and advocate for an improved business climate to help support the economy and job creation.”

Officials said membership renewal has increased 11 percent and new membership investment has increased 17 percent.