Naperville chamber names new CEO

An economic development director from California has been tabbed as the new president and CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Richard Greene of Sacramento will assume his duties Jan. 2 to replace the retiring Mike Skarr, chamber officials announced Wednesday.

Greene now serves as executive director of the Oak Park Business Association and Stockton Boulevard Partnership, both in Sacramento.

He's a perfect choice for the Naperville job because of his "extremely well-rounded perspective," said Andy Kindler of Executive Leadership Resources, who led the chamber's search team.

During his career, Greene has run two economic development districts, a smaller chamber, a business association and even served as an elected official.

"He truly understands member-based organizations," Kindler said.

Debra Lellbach, chairwoman of the chamber's board of directors, said Greene will be "a perfect fit for us."

She said she was most impressed by "his passion, his enthusiasm and his vision. We were really focused on finding that perfect blend" to take the chamber forward.

The chamber's search team has been hunting for Skarr's replacement since he announced plans in July to step down at the end of the year.

Skarr has said he timed his departure, in part, to give the chamber a chance to hire someone ready to make a long-term commitment as the chamber launches its 2020 strategic plan.

That plan, created with the help of an outside consultant, sets a roadmap for developing chamber membership, continuing to build a regional presence, developing programs for members and helping bolster economic development for Naperville and the Western suburbs.

Kindler said his committee used the plan as a blueprint for its search. "We built the job description around it," he said.

Greene, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday, received a 3½-year contract.

Kindler said the search committee reviewed 60 applications and then interviewed seven people face-to-face. Three of those, including Greene, were brought back for second interviews.

Under Skarr's leadership, the chamber has grown to nearly 2,000, the second-largest in the state behind only Chicago. It is the only chamber in Illinois to receive five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The announcement of the new CEO comes on the same day the area is preparing for what could be its first winter storm of the season.

Kindler said Greene and his wife both know what to expect when it comes to Chicago-area weather.

"We told them it does snow," he said, "and there are no mountains to ski on."