Earlier this year, Tim James, CEO and President of the Greater Cayce – West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Programs announced his decision to step down by the end of the year.  Since that time the Board of Directors have appointed a search committee that is comprised of Chamber members, Board members, Education Professionals and Tourism advocates.  This committee set a timeline that would be prudent for a thorough search, while also allowing for a healthy transition.    

Search committee member Greg Waterstradt of Blue Cross Blue Shield SC, and Board member of the Greater CWC Chamber Chamber states “the Search Committee has met on several occasions and completed an updated CEO Job Description that is based on the growth of the Chamber and the expectations therein.  We are excited to release the announcement and begin receiving quality applicants for this important position“.

The position has now been shared as well it has been posted on the South Carolina and North Carolina Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) website. https://www.cacce.org/careers/available-positions

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Great Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Program – Why the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce?

The Greater CWC area, located in Lexington County, SC, is strategically positioned adjacent to Columbia—the vibrant capital city of South Carolina—where business growth, housing development, and economic momentum are thriving. Supported by a robust infrastructure that includes rapidly expanding school districts, the University of South Carolina, a major regional medical center, and convenient access to an international airport, the region offers a strong foundation for continued progress. Over the past several years, the CWC Chamber and Visitor Programs have experienced significant success, earning prestigious accolades such as the 2024 NC/SC Chamber of the Year and Accredited Chamber status. The area’s dynamic and engaged business community plays an integral role in economic development efforts and is now seeking a visionary Chamber President to lead the organization into its next chapter of impact and innovation.

Position Overview:

The President and CEO of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Programs serves as the primary leader, strategist and point of contact for the Chamber of Commerce, Visitor and Foundation programs. Responsibilities include advancing the overall mission to foster a thriving business environment, while positioning the Greater Cayce-West Columbia area as a premier place for business and tourism. The President plays a vital role in promoting economic development opportunities for the community, through advocacy, business development, employment growth and tourism promotion, all through the effective management of the Chamber operations.

The role of President and CEO requires a visionary, strategic and highly relationship-based leader who can unite businesses, business leaders, community activists, government officials and other community stakeholders around a common goal of proper growth that lends itself to long term success. A proven employment and volunteer track record that demonstrates defined successes in the above areas is a must for the ideal candidate to possess.

Required Skills:

• A bachelor’s degree, along with work experience in Communications, Marketing, Economic Development, Tourism or closely related fields, with a minimum of 6 years performing in a leadership role.
• Public Relations, Advocacy and community engagement experience.
• Skilled in the roles of Strategic Planning, Program and Event management, Financial Management, Public Policy and Membership Recruitment and Retention.
• Skilled communicator with experience in bringing Public and Private partners to a unified front.
• Proven Leadership with a fast paced and high performing team
• Strong interpersonal written and public speaking skills
• Graduate of the US Chamber of Commerce Institute of Management (IOM) strongly desired.

Details:

• Posted: June 4, 2025
• Closes: July 7, 2025
• Location: Cayce, South Carolina
• Type: Full Time Employment
• Salary: Competitive Salary based on Experience
• Benefits: Holidays, Paid Time Off, Work Expenses

Position Title: President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Reports To: Board of Directors
• Status: Full-Time | Salaried | Exempt
• About the Organization

The Greater Cayce West Columbia (CWC) Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, located in Lexington County, South Carolina, serves as a dynamic force for business advocacy and community engagement in one of the state’s fastest-growing regions. The Chamber was recognized as the 2024 NC/SC Chamber of the Year and holds the distinction of being an Accredited Chamber. The organization connects businesses, local governments, and residents to promote economic development, tourism, and regional collaboration.

Position Summary

The President & CEO is the chief executive responsible for advancing the mission and strategic direction of the Chamber and Visitors Center. This role demands a visionary, strategic leader with exceptional interpersonal and political skills to guide the organization through its next growth phase.

Top Priority Skills & Attributes

• Membership Development: Demonstrated experience in growing and retaining Chamber membership, focusing on value delivery and engagement.
• Community Engagement: Proven ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with business, community, and civic leaders.
• Executive Leadership: 6+ years of leadership experience in a similar environment, such as a chamber, economic development organization, or nonprofit.
• Interpersonal Skills: Highly skilled communicator and relationship builder who can unify diverse stakeholder groups.
• Public Policy Advocacy: Understanding of policy issues impacting the business community and ability to serve as an advocate at all levels of government.
• Strategic Planning: Ability and vision to lead strategic direction and implement plans that align with organizational objectives.
• Professional Discretion: Ability to represent the Chamber with professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Public Relations: Skilled in public speaking, media relations, and community visibility.
• Financial Management: Experience managing organizational finances, developing budgets, and ensuring compliance.
• Economic Development & Program Management: Knowledge of local economic development practices and event/program execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Chamber of Commerce, Visitor Program and Non-Profit Foundation strategic plans, in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Lead membership recruitment and retention initiatives that deliver measurable value to members.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Chamber in media, community, and professional settings.
• Represent the Chamber on public policy issues and advocate for local, regional, and state pro-business legislation.
• Build and nurture relationships with municipalities, schools, businesses, and regional partners to advance tourism and economic initiatives.
• Provide strategic oversight and management of the CWC Foundation (501(c)(3)), including compliance and fundraising.
• Supervise all staff members, providing annual performance evaluations, and maintaining a positive and high-performing team culture.
• Oversee budget planning, financial reporting, and operational transparency in line with best practices.
• Manage event planning and programming that serve the needs of the business community and region.
• Assist the Chairperson and Board of Directors in developing policy positions and public statements.
• Ensure adherence to organizational bylaws, policies, and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Public Administration, Communications, Economic Development, or a related field. Graduate of the US Chamber of Commerce Institute of Management (IOM) strongly desired.
• Experience: Minimum 6 years in a leadership role, with demonstrated success in a chamber of commerce, visitor bureau, or similar membership type organization.
• Skills: Public speaking, strategic planning, financial management, staff supervision, and membership growth.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/member management systems.
• Strong organizational, written communication, and time-management skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
• Benefits include:
  • Retirement Contribution
  • Professional Allowances
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Professional Development Support

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume, o
• Three (3) Professional References
• One (1) Personal Reference

Deadline to Apply: July 7, 2025
Target Start Date: October 2025

Please email all materials to:

[email protected]

Please note: “CEO-Confidential” in the Subject Line of email