LV Chamber hires CEO recruiter to find successor

By Richard N. Velotta

Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 | 3 a.m.

The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce has begun its search to replace longtime President and CEO Kara Kelley. It has hired a global executive recruitment company to screen applicants for a chamber committee’s scrutiny.

Kristin McMillan, who heads the eight-member committee, said Los Angeles-based Korn-Ferry International has begun its search for Kelley’s replacement. Kelley announced in September that she plans to retire from the chamber April 1.

Replacing her will be a priority for McMillan, who will be installed as chamber chairwoman Dec. 3.

“Because I will be taking over as chair, it made sense for me to lead this committee,” McMillan said at a recent chamber event.

The committee determine criteria for Korn-Ferry to use in its search. The company, which was retained to fill the president and CEO position for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce in 2006, is expected to begin its search in early 2010.

McMillan said she hopes the candidate will have chamber of commerce experience. She said she hopes a new executive would be hired by early March so that Kelley can spend time with that person before leaving.

Founded in 1969, Korn-Ferry has offices and consultants in nearly 80 offices in 40 countries, including 22 in North America.

Kelley has been responsible for the strategic direction and policy implementation of the chamber, the third largest metropolitan chamber of commerce in the nation. In her position, Kelley has overseen policymaking, political advocacy, strategic planning and long-range goals.

She also serves on a number or boards, including the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors.

She joined the chamber in 1995 and served as president and CEO since 2002.

Kelley says she is not leaving to take another position for another chamber or company and that she’s considering options.