Missouri chamber appoints new CEO

Provided by Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Kara Corches

SBJ file

Dan Mehan

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The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which represents businesses statewide, has appointed a new president and CEO following the retirement of its longtime leader.

Kara Corches has been promoted to the Missouri chamber's top role after a three-month national search, according to a news release. A chamber staffer since 2019 who most recently was senior vice president of governmental affairs, Corches has served as interim president and CEO this year after Dan Mehan announced his retirement in the summer.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve as president and CEO of an organization that has a track record of producing impactful results for the business community,” Corches said in the release. “I look forward to leaning into our work to boldly advocate for pro-business policies, maximize our impact in the political arena and ultimately help position Missouri as an economic powerhouse."

Corches is the Missouri chamber's first female president in its 101-year history, the release indicates.

In her prior work at the chamber, Corches is credited with leading advocacy efforts such as the championing of legislative priorities for the Fast Track and the credential training program, as well as operating the Missouri Chamber Political Institute that conducts polling and voter education in support of pro-business candidates.

“The Missouri chamber’s focus is to be a strong voice for our state’s businesses. When businesses thrive, so does our state’s economy,” said Brad Thomas, president of Silver Dollar City and chair of the Missouri chamber's board, in the release. “A thriving economy impacts employment opportunity, wage growth and ultimately the health of communities and counties across our state. Kara has proven she can be a formidable voice that will fight for Missouri’s business community.”

Mehan had led the chamber for nearly three decades.