The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has named Dave Kirk as its next president and CEO, following a national search that chamber officials said drew more than 60 applicants from across the country.
Kirk will succeed Candance Castlen Brake, who has led the Chamber since March 2015. He will officially assume the role on December 8.
“We are truly excited about the appointment of Dave Kirk to lead our Chamber,” said Chamber Board Chair Olga McKissic. “He was the unanimous choice of our selection committee as well as our board of directors. We look forward as a board in supporting him as he takes the helm.”
After Brake announced in May that she would step down by year’s end, a selection committee made up of past Chamber Board Chairs launched a nationwide search. The committee conducted virtual interviews with several candidates before narrowing the field to four finalists for in-person interviews. Kirk ultimately received unanimous support.
A native of Owensboro and graduate of Owensboro High School, Kirk earned degrees in journalism and communications from the University of Kentucky. He began his career as a television reporter in Jackson, Tennessee, before returning home to work for 14 News.
In 2012, he was appointed public information officer for Owensboro Public Schools, where he became deeply involved with the Chamber through its Advocacy Committee, Owensboro Day in Frankfort, and the Red, White and Blue Picnic.
A 2016 graduate of Leadership Owensboro, Kirk also chaired Chamber Young Professionals during its relaunch, growing the group from eight members to more than 150. Under his leadership, the organization helped bring ride-sharing services such as Lyft to Owensboro, a release from the chamber reads.
Kirk joined Visit Owensboro in 2018, where he led destination management efforts, overseeing marketing, event development, and sales lead generation.
He and his wife, Jessica — a Lexington native and former Chamber staff member — have three sons: Talon, Tipton, and Talmage.
Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 1,000 members and continues to serve as a leading advocate for business and community development throughout the Owensboro region.
By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times