Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Names Ellen van der Horst New President

The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber has named Ellen van der Horst of Blue Ash its incoming president and CEO, succeeding Michael Fisher in early March.

Cincinnati, OH, (PRWEB) January 14, 2006 -- The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber has named Ellen van der Horst of Blue Ash its incoming president and CEO, succeeding Michael Fisher in early March. The announcement was made by the two co-chairs of the search committee, Mark Jahnke and Janet Reid of the Chamber Board of Directors, and by 2005 Board Chair George Schaefer Jr. and 2006 Board Chair Charlotte Otto.

Van der Horst will assume the post full time in early March. She is currently completing commitments as executive vice president and chief marketing officer in the Retail Bank of The PNC Financial Services Group, following a 22-year stint with PNC. The Retail Bank is PNC's largest business, serving approximately 3 million consumer and small business customers from New Jersey to Kentucky with more than 800 branches and the sixth largest ATM network in the country.

The Chamber conducted a national search to secure its new president with the assistance of the locally based executive recruiting firm of Baldwin Gilman.

According to senior Chamber leadership, van der Horst was sought out due to her extensive experience as a proven, results-oriented business leader as well as her expertise in strategic planning, marketing and team building with a strong focus on customer needs and results. Her private sector work is complemented by a long-term commitment to community leadership and service, serving on a variety of non-profit boards, Chamber officials noted.

In accepting the post at one of the nation's largest chambers, she becomes the first female president of the Chamber since it was founded in 1839.

According to the American Chamber of Commerce Executives - the national association for chambers - she joins a handful of other women in the United States who currently head up major chambers as CEO.

"I couldn't be more excited for this opportunity," van der Horst said. "Our region faces many great opportunities and challenges, and I look forward to playing a key role - along with our talented staff, high caliber board and other partners - in developing and implementing strategies through collaborative avenues that will pay great dividends for Chamber members and our entire three-state, 15-county community. I'm anxious to get to work."

Media contact:
Raymond L. Buse III
Manager, Public Relations
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
513.579.3194

###