UPDATE: Dave Kirk has been named the new president of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, effective December 8, 2023. This urgent leadership change comes as Kirk steps in to succeed Candance Castlen Brake, who has held the position since March 2015 and announced her departure earlier this year.
Kirk, a dedicated Owensboro native and former destination management director for the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau, is ready to take on this critical role. “It’s an incredibly important position,” Kirk stated. “I’m honored to be selected.” He aims to increase the Chamber’s membership, which currently stands at 988 members, with a goal of reaching 1,000 as soon as he takes office.
“This is a pivotal moment for Owensboro,” said Olga McKissic, board chairwoman. She confirmed that Kirk was the unanimous choice of the selection committee after a national search that attracted 70 applications. “We realized that he stood out above all the rest,” she added, emphasizing his deep ties to the Chamber’s culture.
With a background in journalism and communications from the University of Kentucky, Kirk’s previous experience includes working as a television reporter and public information officer for Owensboro Public Schools. He has actively contributed to the Chamber’s initiatives over the past decade, fostering community engagement and growth.
In a statement, outgoing president Brake expressed her excitement for Kirk’s leadership. “We are so excited that Dave will be leading the organization and look forward to seeing where he and the team will take us,” she said. Kirk’s commitment to listening to both members and non-members of the Chamber highlights his inclusive approach. “I want to know why nonmembers aren’t members,” he explained, indicating a focus on community needs.
Mark Calitri, president of the CVB, praised Kirk’s contributions to the tourism industry, stating, “With Dave’s leadership, Visit Owensboro has become a powerhouse.” His vision for collaboration among the Chamber, CVB, and Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. sets a promising tone for future economic growth in the area.
As Kirk prepares to take the helm, he emphasized the necessity of proactive engagement: “We have to go get it,” he said, referring to the need for Owensboro to have a strong voice in Frankfort. His leadership is anticipated to usher in a new era of development and innovation for the Chamber and the wider Owensboro community.
Kirk’s wife, Jessica, also shares a history with the Chamber, having served as executive director of Leadership Owensboro. Together, they are raising three sons in Owensboro, further rooting their family in the community they aim to serve.
As this leadership change unfolds, the Owensboro community watches closely, eager to see how Kirk’s fresh perspective will drive the Chamber forward. The future looks bright, with Kirk poised to lead the organization into new heights of success and collaboration.
