The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce has officially begun the search for a new chief executive after current CEO Bill Kilbride announced recently that he's retiring at year's end.
The successful candidate will work alongside Kilbride for up to 60 days and then assume the leadership position no later than December, according to the business group that has 1,900 members and a $1.9 million budget.
Candidates will be evaluated by a transition committee consisting of the current board Chairman Larry Buie and a small group of volunteer leaders. The most qualified individuals will be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process. A deadline for submitting a cover letter and resume was set at Aug. 20.
Kilbride, who was a longtime Mohawk Industries executive, was tapped three years ago as the head of Chattanooga's chief economic development group.