Boise Metro Chamber Announces New CEO

Today the Boise Metro Chamber announced that Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, Governor Little’s Deputy Chief of Staff, will take over the position of President & CEO of the Chamber. She will be replacing current President and CEO Bill Connors who announced his intent to retire earlier this year. The Chamber conducted an extensive national search using the national firm, SearchWide Global. A Search committee made up of ten Chamber Board members and officers selected Meuleman from a large pool of local and national candidates. Chairman of the Chamber Board Odette Bolano, the CEO West Region of Saint Alphonsus, oversaw the three-month long search process.

Meuleman has an extensive career in government affairs and economic development. Having served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for both Governor Little, and Governor Otter. She held a cabinet post as Idaho’s Director of Commerce which oversees the State’s economic development efforts and tourism promotion efforts. She started her career in DC as a staffer for Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT) and Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT). She is a member of multiple Boards and community organizations. She was a 2017 “Accomplished Under 40” honoree and holds multiple awards for her work around the State. She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Montana. Of her appointment, Meuleman said, “The Boise Metro Chamber has been front and center in promoting the Valley business community. There is a reason Boise is the destination businesses are choosing to locate and expand. I look forward to carrying on the great work of Bill and the board to ensure all Boise area business can succeed.”

Odette Bolano, Chair of Boise Metro Chamber shared, “We are excited for Bobbi-Jo to be Bill’s successor as the CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber. She has demonstrated her ability to work closely with the business community over the last four years as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Little and previously as the Director of Idaho Department of Commerce. “

Current CEO Bill Connors added, “The committee made a wonderful decision. Bobbi-Jo’s experience in economic development, and tourism efforts fits perfectly to oversee the Chamber, the Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP), and Visit Boise. Her respect and influence in the advocacy arena will be a tremendous asset to the organization. Connors will remain President & CEO until Meuleman starts on October 2, 2023, and then will be instrumental in the transition of responsibilities on a part time basis until the end of the year as “President Emeritus.”

For press inquiries please call the Chamber at 208-472-5220 or Ms. Bolano at 208-367-4049
About the Boise Metro Chamber: Established in 1883, the Boise Metro Chamber is the only five-star accredited Chamber of Commerce in Idaho and strives to be the leading business advocacy organization in the Boise Valley. The Boise Metro Chamber is a private, nonprofit, membership-driven organization comprised of approximately 1,950 business enterprises, civic organizations, education institutions, and individuals. Its mission is to provide leadership that will help create regional economic prosperity and success for its members.
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