New Naperville chamber president wants to hear from community

On her first day as president and CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Kaylin Risvold made it clear that her doors are wide open to the community.

Risvold stressed during a Thursday news conference that she wants to find out what the public needs from her.

After asking online to hear from the community, she said she received more than 40 emails Thursday morning asking to meet and chat with her.

She said she will measure her success by the relationships she builds.

"It's about getting out in the community and asking people what they think about the chamber," she said. "I want honest opinions."

Succeeding Nicki Anderson in the role, Risvold said she hopes to build on Anderson's accomplishments following the motto "Business Forward."

Founded in 1913, the chamber has more than 1,300 members.

Risvold, 32, has a background in journalism and says she's all about asking questions.

"The more I ask questions, the more they (others) feel involved in the process," she said.

She said she wants the chamber to focus on reaching out to young people, including. more involvement with high school and college students.

"We have so many talented people here, and I want to tap into everyone's knowledge and reach other parts of the community," Risvold said.

With a master's degree in leadership studies from North Central College and a career as a broadcast reporter, anchor and producer, Risvold brings diverse experience to the chamber.

"Kaylin has the ideal skillset of having Naperville connections but also getting exposure elsewhere," said Ian Holzhauer, a Naperville attorney and chairman-elect of the chamber board.

Risvold said the chamber is setting a strategic plan in motion for July 2020. The process includes a large team from the community, and she sees the project as a "goal post" for the chamber.

Sustaining a business-forward and future-based platform, Risvold said she plans to work with and support Naperville Development Partnership, the city council and Mayor Steve Chirico.