The Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO Search Committee and Board of Directors are pleased to announce that at Monday's board meeting, Karen Groh was unanimously voted to become President/CEO, effective immediately.

Karen Groh stepped in as interim President/CEO in mid-December of 2016. Ms. Groh has been a business owner of IA Design, a graphic design and marketing company, for 21 years. She joined the Chamber in 1998 and has been an active member ever since. Over the years, Groh has chaired numerous committees including the Small Business Roundtable, Centennial Planning Committee, and Ambassador Committee. She has chaired the committee responsible for planning the annual Patriot Day Community Concert since it began 16 years ago. Groh participated in three strategic planning processes for the Chamber. She has served on the Board of Directors for 9 years and the Executive Committee for 3 years. Groh was slated to be the 2017 Chairman of the Board before assuming the role as interim president.

Groh states that when she assumed the temporary role as interim, she did not intend to apply for the position but as her role developed within the organization, she realized that the Chamber and what it represents to the business community, is something that has been a passion of hers throughout the years. Groh says, “The Chamber of Commerce has provided me so many opportunities to network and grow my business but more than that, the Chamber has given me access to business leaders and organizations in the Lebanon Valley. I’ve enjoyed working with these agencies and believe strongly in the positive difference they make to our community.” She adds, “I’ve spent many years mentoring new businesses and volunteering side-by-side with community leaders. The Chamber is a great platform to work with our local businesses and to build on the great things that are happening in the Lebanon Valley. I’m very excited to be a part of it all.”

Jamie Hanford, Search Committee Chairman, says, “We had many fine candidates for the CEO position, but Karen rose to the top with her experience and passion for the mission of the Chamber. I am confident that Karen will prove a great asset to the community as she assumes her new leadership role.”

Ed Coyle, who served as the 2016 Chairman, agreed to continue serving as chair until the Search Committee found a new president. Since the slated incoming chair – Groh – will not be able to serve, Coyle has agreed to finish out the year. Coyle adds, “I believe the search committee made a tremendous choice. In Karen's extensive volunteer history with the Chamber, she has occupied so many different roles, each of which have demonstrated the many strengths that make her perfectly suited to be the next President/CEO of the Chamber.

“Professionally, she has also built an impressive business and marketing resume which will greatly benefit and enhance the Chamber. And if all of the this was not enough, her many strengths and capabilities were on display for us during the course of the past 4½ months when she stepped in to act as the Interim President/CEO. We could not have selected a stronger leader.”

Groh will transition her business client base to other agencies over the next few months. The position of President/CEO also carries over to the Chamber’s Foundation, an organization that secures funds and awards them through scholarships to a variety of students in the region.

Karen Groh lives in Cornwall with her husband John, and children Joshua and Sarah.

The Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce is the premier business leadership organization and catalyst for change, growth and prosperity in the Lebanon Valley. The Chamber serves its membership and the business community through education, networking, advocacy and member discounts.

For questions in regards to the search process, please contact Search Committee Chair Jamie Hanford. 

Questions or comments for Karen Groh can be directed to kgroh@lvchamber.org.