The Charleston Area Alliance (CAA) has a new president and CEO.
Nicole Christian, a 26-year veteran of the chamber of commerce and economic development industry, joins the Alliance and Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce this week.
“Our search committee spoke to a number of excellent candidates, and we’re thrilled to have Nicole take on a very challenging, very important role in the Kanawha Valley,” Alliance Board Chair Jack Rossi said. “She brings a tremendous amount of experience in the community and business development sector, and that experience will surely benefit the Alliance.”
Christian is a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE), one of only approximately 450 in the country, and is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management (IOM). She has held senior level/CEO positions at four other Chambers and helped lead her organization in Davenport, Iowa to the coveted designation of 2008 Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).
“I am honored to be selected to lead the Charleston Area Alliance, and I look forward to continuing the Alliance’s legacy,” Christian said. “My career has afforded me the opportunity to work in a variety of communities and acquire the experience and knowledge that I believe will be beneficial to this role. This region has big potential, and I’m here to help achieve that potential.”
Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in 2017 named Christian the Chamber Executive of the Year after a string of successes, including a strong government relations program, the launch of The Deep Creek Experience – a new county-wide brand – and securing nearly $1 million in state and federal grants for heritage projects.
The Alliance Board of Directors retained Waverly Partners in February as its executive search firm.
The Alliance – which brings together Kanawha County community and economic development with traditional chamber offerings – works to attract and retain innovative industries and workforce, revitalize urban spaces and improve the Kanawha Valley. The Alliance operates a business incubator at its Smith Street location. Its mission is to build a more vibrant community and prosperous economy.
“It’s a unique organization,” Christian said. “To have all of these programs, tools and minds under one roof, working together strategically to move the region forward, is powerful and transformative. I’m excited to be a part of Charleston’s future.”