West Suburban Chamber of Commerce Names New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WSCCI) has appointed Ken Grunke as its new Executive Director, effective January 6th, 2014, according to a news release from the chamber.

Dan Halm, Chairman of the WSCCI, said in a statement, “The board recognizes the importance of proactively engaging our membership so that the Chamber can provide the value that they deserve. Ken has the ability to do this and we look forward to the Chamber's future success under his leadership."

Grunke has worked for Aging Care Connections of La Grange since 2009, most recently serving as Director of Philanthropy and External Affairs, according to the release. He also served as director of individual and major gifts for Pillars of La Grange Park, and currently holds a number of leadership positions in the community, including President Elect for the Rotary Club of La Grange and Co-chair of the Nonprofit Resource Committee of the Chamber Foundation.

He has served as First Vice President of the Chamber Board, for the last four years, according to the release. 

"Grunke continues to be involved in Kiwanis La Grange ACT (Assisting Communities Together) as well as the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago, through which he was selected as an YNPN Chicago’s Nonprofit Professional of the Year finalist," according to the release. In 2006, he received his master’s degree in Social Work with an emphasis in Gerontology from Dominican University in River Forest and he currently resides in Brookfield.

“As Executive Director, I am excited to work closely with the board and the Chamber membership, providing new vision and direction to address the business needs of our community,” Grunke said in a statement.

The Interview Panels and Search Committee were headed by Chamber Executive Committee member Beth McCormack of Express Employment Professionals and included key leaders within the regional business community.  Panelists included Allyson Zak, Plymouth Place; Ryan Williamson, Horizon Wealth Management; Ken Daemicke, Mulcahy Pauritsch and Salvador; Paul Guagenti, Republic Bank; Linda Yates, B-B Chemical Processing; as well as members of the WSCCI Executive Committee, according to the release.

Halm said the interview panel included community leaders from a wide range of industries. "Their insights were instrumental throughout this process and new are grateful for their participation and leadership," he said.

Grunke will be formally introduced at the chamber's annual holiday luncheon on Dec. 4. 

“The Chamber comes with a rich history of inspiring leaders," Grunke said. "I look forward to drawing from that inspiration to strengthen membership by strategically addressing regional marketing strategies, new engagement opportunities and economic development for each of the municipalities served by the Chamber." 

For more information, go to www.wscci.org.

Information courtesy of a news release from the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce.