BREAKING: Dave Kirk has been officially named the new president of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, set to take office on December 8. This announcement comes as Kirk succeeds Candance Castlen Brake, who has held the position since March 2015 and confirmed her departure earlier this year.
At just 38 years old, Kirk brings a wealth of experience from his role as the destination management director for the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau since 2018. His leadership has significantly boosted local tourism efforts, making Visit Owensboro a formidable player in the industry. “Leaving is bittersweet,” Kirk stated, expressing his mixed emotions about transitioning to this pivotal role.
Mark Calitri, president of the CVB, praised Kirk’s dedication, saying, “I am incredibly proud of Dave, and he has absolutely earned this opportunity.” Kirk’s commitment to enhancing Owensboro’s community is evident, as he aims to leverage his new position to further economic development.
The selection process for the Chamber’s new president was competitive, with over 70 applications submitted nationwide. Olga McKissic, board chairwoman, confirmed that Kirk stood out as the unanimous choice among both the selection committee and the board, emphasizing his extensive volunteer work with the Chamber and familiarity with its culture.
Kirk expressed his intentions to focus on member engagement, stating, “I want to listen to members and nonmembers. I want to know why nonmembers aren’t members.” His immediate goal is to increase Chamber membership, which currently stands at 988, the highest in over a decade. If he doesn’t reach 1,000 members before taking office, that will be his top priority.
Kirk’s journey began in Owensboro, where he graduated from Owensboro High School and later earned degrees in journalism and communications from the University of Kentucky. His career includes stints as a television reporter and public information officer for Owensboro Public Schools, where he became actively involved with the Chamber.
His previous leadership roles, including chairing Chamber Young Professionals, have shown his capability to drive growth; he helped expand the group from 8 members to over 150 and was instrumental in introducing ridesharing services to the area.
As Kirk prepares to transition into his new role, he acknowledges the high standards set by his predecessor. “Candance has set the bar very high. They’ve done incredible work,” he remarked, looking forward to introducing new initiatives that will serve the community’s needs.
With strong backing from both local leaders and community members, the outlook for Kirk’s presidency appears promising. The collaboration between the Chamber, CVB, and Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. aims to propel the region forward. This leadership change is more than just a new title; it signifies a renewed commitment to fostering community growth and economic vitality in Owensboro.
Stay tuned for updates as Kirk embarks on this crucial journey in leading the Chamber, with the potential to shape the future of Owensboro’s economic landscape.
