West Suburban (Illinois) Names New Chamber Executive Director - Ken Grunke

The Board of Directors for the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pleased to announce that it has hired Ken Grunke as its new Executive Director.

Mr. Grunke currently serves as Director of Philanthropy and External Affairs for Aging Care Connections, located in LaGrange, IL, and has a long history of service to the Chamber.   His career background at some of the most reputable, well-known agencies in the Chamber service area, and his track record of leadership within the Chamber, will prove beneficial toward building and strengthening relationships within the Chamber community.   

"We are very excited to welcome Ken Grunke as our new Executive Director," said WSCCI Board President Dan Halm. "He has a proven record of successfully engaging the business and municipal community at large.  It is essential that the Executive Director understand the importance of proactively engaging our membership so that we can provide the value that they deserve.  Ken has the ability to do this and we look forward to the Chamber's future success under his leadership."

The Interview Panels and Search Committee were headed by Chamber Executive Committee member Beth McCormack of Express Employment Professionals and included key leaders within the regional business community.  Panelists included Allison Zak, Plymouth Place; Ryan Williamson, Horizon Wealth Management; Ken Daemicke, Mulcahy Pauritsch and Salvador; Paul Guagenti, Republic Bank; Linda Yates, BB Chemical Processing; as well as members of the WSCCI Executive Committee

"Our interview panel included community leaders from a wide range of industries.  Their insights were instrumental throughout this process and we are grateful for their participation and leadership," said Halm.

Mr. Grunke will be formally introduced to, and will address, the Chamber community on December 4th at its annual Holiday Luncheon at LaGrange Country Club (11:30 - 1:00).  Tickets for the event are available by calling 708-387-7550 or contacting Katherine Leibforth at katherinel@wscci.org .  He will begin full-time on January 6th, 2014.