Duluth Chamber Selected Executive Search Firm
The business advocacy group has hired Waverly Partners to identify a permanent leader following a recent vacancy.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in People
The Duluth Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has retained Waverly Partners to manage a nationwide search for a new President and CEO. This selection follows the departure of former President and CEO Matt Baumgartner.
Why it matters
The Chamber serves as a central connector for local businesses, and this leadership transition will dictate the organization's strategic priorities and advocacy stance for regional operators moving forward.
The search is being conducted for one President and CEO position after the departure of the former leader. The process will replace the current interim leadership arrangement.
The players
Duluth Chamber of Commerce
A business advocacy organization serving the Duluth region by providing networking, resources, and policy representation.
Waverly Partners
An executive search firm specializing in the recruitment of leadership talent for corporate and non-profit clients.
Matt Baumgartner
The former President and CEO of the Duluth Chamber of Commerce who exited the role following a July 2026 arrest.
Jim Roche
The current interim President serving as the acting leader for the Duluth Chamber of Commerce.
Tiffany Hughes
The Board Chair for the Duluth Chamber of Commerce responsible for overseeing the leadership search.
The details
The Board of Directors tasked the search firm with executing a nationwide recruitment process to identify candidates for the top staff role. The Chamber intends to release a formal job description on its website to standardize requirements and guide potential applicants through the selection process.
Timeline
July 31, 2026: Former President and CEO Matt Baumgartner arrested for DWI.
October 9, 2026: Board Chair Tiffany Hughes issued a letter regarding the search process.
Market Landscape
This transition marks a departure from the prior leadership tenure at the Duluth Chamber of Commerce. The search process follows the 2026 leadership vacancy that prompted the board to appoint interim oversight.
Business owners should watch for the forthcoming job posting on the Chamber website to understand the shifting priorities of the organization. Operators who rely on Chamber resources should maintain contact with current interim leadership until the permanent hire is announced.
The takeaway
The search for a new chief executive represents a critical pivot point for the business community's primary advocate. Local operators should monitor the upcoming formal job posting on the organization's website to gauge the board's strategic focus for the next administrative term.
Further reading
For more updates on regional leadership shifts, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox21Online.
