DURANGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CEO ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE TO PURSUE NEW OPPORTUNITY
DURANGO, COLO -- After 17 years of dedicated service, Jack Llewellyn, Chief Executive Officer of the Durango Chamber of Commerce has announced his departure to take on a new role at Hutton Broadcasting, which will keep him in the Four Corners region.
“It’s been a privilege to serve the Durango Chamber of Commerce and our community for the past 17 years. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to this new chapter with Hutton Broadcasting,” stated Llewellyn. “I am deeply grateful to the business community, board members and the chamber staff for their support over the years.”
During his tenure at the Durango Chamber of Commerce, Llewellyn has been a catalyst for transformation and progress, leaving an indelible mark on the organization and the regional area. Under his leadership, the Chamber underwent significant growth and development, including the successful execution of a capital campaign, resulting in the construction of the new Chamber headquarters building on north Main Avenue in 2018.
“Jack has been an unbelievable asset to the Durango Chamber of Commerce, and his presence will be missed,” stated immediate past-president of the Durango Chamber Board of Directors Charles Spence, a partner with Maynes, Bradford, Shipps & Sheftel. “Working with him has been a pleasure, both as a Chamber board member and as a friend. I wish him the best in all his future endeavors.”
Llewellyn played a key role in restructuring and rebranding the La Plata Economic Development Action Partnership (LEAD). He was instrumental in transitioning LEAD to the current organization: the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance.
Notably, he guided local businesses through the challenges of the pandemic, introducing innovative initiatives, including the 5 Star Program to advocate for and facilitate safe re-openings of businesses.
“Jack has been a phenomenal asset to our community. He has shown such bravery and steadfastness in advocating for business, as well as creativity in developing new programming, and has monumentally grown Chamber membership,” stated Dr. Karen Cheser, President of the Durango Chamber Board of Directors and 9-R School District Superintendent. “Jack has built a strong foundation for the next CEO to take the Chamber into the future.”
He recognized the importance of engaging younger professionals by supporting the creation of the Young Professionals of Durango, nurturing the next generation of community leaders. His visionary approach also led to the establishment of strategic partnerships, enhanced promotional opportunities, and innovated membership models aimed at better serving the Chamber’s diverse constituency.
“I quickly learned that Jack has been the voice and spirit of our business community for decades,” stated Brandon Mencini, Vice President of the Durango Chamber Board of Directors, and the CEO of Common Spirit/Mercy Hospital. “The passion he brings to our community is remarkable. It has been a pleasure working with Jack and I wish him the best as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.”
Under Llewellyn’s stewardship, the Durango Chamber of Commerce secured essential funding and resources, including a significant donation from the Coleman Foundation to support local businesses during and post pandemic. He also helped implement the Legislative Affairs Coalition, which continues to champion the interests of La Plata County’s business community.
“Jack’s departure as the CEO of the Chamber marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and commitment to the businesses he served,” stated Vaughn Morris, Treasurer of the Durango Chamber, and the La Plata County Boys and Girls Club CEO. “ His leadership will be remembered as instrumental in fostering growth and prosperity within our business community.”
CEO Succession Process Underway
The Durango Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors has initiated a comprehensive process to select a new CEO. A dedicated hiring committee will oversee the search and selection process. Details regarding the application process, qualifications, and deadlines will be forthcoming in the next week.
In the interim, Kim Oyler, the Chamber’s current Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of Interim CEO. Oyler brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the Chamber’s operations, having served in various leadership capacities within the organization and throughout her career.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Kim’s caliber to step into the role of Interim CEO during this transition period,” stated Dr. Cheser. “Her leadership and commitment to our mission will ensure continuity and stability as we navigate this important transition.”
The Durango Chamber of Commerce will provide further updates and details regarding the CEO search process in the coming days. Interested candidates are encouraged to monitor the Chamber’s official communication channels for announcements regarding the selection process.
### Media Contacts: Jack Llewellyn contact via email Or Kim Oyler contact via email
About the Durango Chamber of Commerce The Durango Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that supports local businesses, engages the innovation and entrepreneurship of more than 650 members, and promotes economic prosperity through communication, advocacy, education, and leadership. Established in 1915 by local business leaders, the Chamber is celebrating more than 100 years of supporting economic opportunity in the area. For more information, visit www.DurangoBusiness.org.
Jack Llewellyn Chief Executive Officer jack@durangobusiness.org
Kim Oyler Chief Operations Officer kim@durangobusiness.org