Quad Cities Chamber Board Chair Ladrina Wilson also is serving as interim CEO of the organization effective July 5, while the board’s recently hired search firm looks to replace longtime chamber executive Paul Rumler.
Ms. Wilson, who is the CEO of IMAN Consulting, will be available as needed by the economic development organization while continuing her work with IMAN, the chamber said in a news release Friday, July 1.
She replaces Mike Oberhaus, the chamber’s chief strategy officer, who also had been the interim president and CEO. On Wednesday, June 29, the chamber announced Mr. Oberhaus was leaving to pursue other professional opportunities. Details of his new role were not disclosed.
The chamber has been searching for a replacement for former President and CEO Mr. Rumler, who stepped down in March. Mr. Rumler, a longtime chamber executive and a Quad Cities native, now is CEO and executive vice president of CCIM Institute, a global membership association serving the commercial real estate community.
In announcing Ms. Wilson’s temporary appointment, the chamber said Jorgenson Consulting has been hired to assist in finding the organization’s next leader. Founded in 1992, Jorgenson Consulting is a national executive search firm focusing on non-profit, economic and community development.
The firm is expected to complete the executive search process later this summer, the chamber said.
“The labor market is tight and the search for the right person to lead the Quad Cities Chamber is continuing through the summer,” Ms. Wilson said in the release. “The search committee is doing its due diligence to ensure that the person hired will best fit the needs of our unique QC region.”
Ms. Wilson leads the search committee, which also includes: Mara Downing, Deere & Company; Mo Hyder, Rhythm City Casino Resort; Caitlin Russell, Russell; and Corri Spiegel, City of Davenport.
The chamber said it will be seeking feedback from community leaders and chamber members during the search process. The chamber’s board of directors will approve the future hire.