Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce Names New Director

Kevin O’Keeffe. Credit: Submitted photo

The Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced Thursday that it has chosen Kevin O’Keeffe as its new executive director.

In a press release, the chamber said O’Keeffe was chosen “based on his outstanding accomplishments as well as his enthusiasm, passion and vision for the Bolingbrook community.”

O’Keeffe will leave his role as the director of membership for the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce to take the post. O’Keefe previously owned Fontano’s Subs in Elmhurst and served as the treasurer and chairman for the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce. O’Keeffe has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from the University of St. Francis in Joliet.

Mir Ali, director of operations for the Shamrock Companies and the Chairman of the Bolingbrook Area Chamber Board of Directors, said that O’Keeffe’s official start date is Oct. 16. “The board is thrilled to have found a candidate who has experience as a small business owner, a chamber board chairman and experience working as chamber staff. It is not often that you find someone who has worked in all three areas.”

Ali said that after an extensive search for qualified candidates, O’Keeffe exceeded the chamber’s requirements for the executive director position. “We selected a leader who has achieved personal success, but also has an outstanding reputation in his community and who has been an integral participant in the success of many local businesses, events and organizations.”

“This is an exciting time for me. I know we can take the Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce to the next level,” O’Keeffe said. O’Keeffe said he wants to improve the chamber’s outreach to consumers in Bolingbrook and surrounding communities, making the Bolingbrook Area Chamber a resource for people trying to compare retailers and businesses. “We want Bolingbrook to be the place of choice to conduct business,” O’Keeffe said.

“The Bolingbrook Golf Club facility, the Promenade shopping center, community hospital, great accessibility to I-355 and I-55, a diverse population, and Village leadership who promote economic development -- no wonder Bolingbrook was just recognized by Money Magazine as number 38 on the list of the best places to live in America. This is a great opportunity. I am looking forward to reaching out to and serving a vibrant business community,” he added.