Vice President, Economic Development

Department: Economic Development

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt (Salary)

Location: Chamber Headquarters

Reports To: President and Chief Executive Officer

Supervises: Senior Director, Regional Economic Development;
Director, Real Estate;
Technology and Research Coordinator;
Economic Development Coordinator

The Vice President, Economic Development provides innovative, strategic leadership for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce’s regional economic development initiatives, including business attraction, expansion, retention, regional partnerships, policy advocacy, and economic development services.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President leads economic development projects, strengthens relationships with key public and private-sector partners, advances regional competitiveness, and expands the Chamber’s economic development presence throughout the South Central Kentucky region.

The Vice President supports the missions and manages activities of the Bowling Green Area Economic Development Authority (BGA-EDA), Bowling Green ITA (ITA), and South Central Kentucky Regional Development Authority (RDA).

• Develop and implement regional economic development strategies in partnership with local governments, Western Kentucky University, Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College, utilities, businesses, workforce organizations, and other regional stakeholders.
• Lead efforts to strengthen the region’s competitive position and diversify the regional economic base.
• Develop performance measures and strategies that demonstrate measurable results and return on investment.
• Monitor and analyze federal, state, and local legislation and policies affecting economic development, business growth, infrastructure, workforce, and regional competitiveness.
• Collaborate with the President and CEO and senior leadership team to develop economic development policy positions, briefings, and advocacy strategies.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate economic development staff.
• Establish priorities, workflows, deadlines, and accountability standards.
• Foster a collaborative, professional, responsive, innovative, and results-driven culture.
• Represent the Chamber and affiliated entities in local, regional, state, national, and international economic development settings, including active engagement in economic development organizations.

• Lead business attraction and expansion projects from prospect development through announcement.
• Oversee RFI/RFP responses, site visits, prospect negotiations, incentive analysis, and project coordination.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, Tennessee Valley Authority, utilities, site consultants, brokers, developers, and other economic development partners.
• Oversee existing industry programs, including business retention, expansion, industry visits, surveys, and relationship development.
• Ensure accurate tracking of project activity and pipeline information through CRM and EOS Scorecards.

• Serve as the primary staff liaison and administrative lead for the BGA-EDA, ITA, and RDA, coordinating all aspects of Board and committee operations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community, business, and governmental partners throughout the region.
• Manage and grow economic development service agreements with communities within the 10-county labor shed.
• Oversee implementation of regional economic development marketing and service delivery agreements.

• Partner with Chamber staff to coordinate economic development marketing, announcements, press…