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Minnesota Chamber to Appoint New CEO in December

The 6,300 member firms will see Doug Stang take the helm of the organization on December 1, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a capitol dome and geometric building blocks, representing state business and legislative policy transition.
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has appointed Doug Stang to succeed Doug Loon as president and CEO, effective December 1, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has named Doug Stang as its new president and CEO. Stang will succeed retiring leader Doug Loon on December 1, 2026, taking charge of an organization that represents more than 6,300 businesses across the state.

Why it matters

The transition brings a new leader with extensive experience in government affairs and corporate strategy at both 3M and LegalZoom to represent the interests of over 6,300 member firms. His background in state policy and health oversight will likely shape the Chamber's lobbying focus regarding state-level business regulations.

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce represents more than 6,300 businesses across the state. Founded in 1908, the organization serves these members through its advocacy and policy initiatives.

The players

Doug Stang

An incoming executive with a background in state government, health regulation, and corporate government affairs.

Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

A business advocacy organization founded in 1908 that represents more than 6,300 member companies.

Doug Loon

The outgoing president and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

3M

A global manufacturing and technology conglomerate where Stang served as Director of State Government Affairs.

The details

An executive search committee managed the hiring process, eventually leading the Board of Directors to select Stang for the role. Stang brings a diverse background to the Chamber, having served four terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives and as a former Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health. His corporate experience includes serving as the Head of Federal and State Government Affairs at LegalZoom and a 15-year tenure as Director of State Government Affairs at 3M.

Timeline

  1. December 1, 2026: Doug Stang officially begins his new role.

  2. October 28, 2026: Doug Stang was named as the incoming president and CEO.

  3. May 2026: Doug Loon announced his retirement from the organization.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition follows a pattern where regional business associations prioritize candidates with deep experience in both corporate government affairs and state policy. The move marks a continuation of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's strategy to bridge the gap between corporate operations and state regulatory environments.

Operators should watch for changes in the Chamber's legislative agenda, particularly regarding how Stang’s background in health and government affairs might shift lobbying efforts in St. Paul. Member businesses can expect a transition period as the new CEO takes the helm on December 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The appointment highlights the increasing importance of government relations expertise for statewide trade associations. Business owners should monitor the Chamber’s upcoming policy announcements to understand if new regulatory priorities will align with or challenge their own operational goals.

Further reading

For more on industry leadership changes, visit Minnesota People.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Twin Cities.

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