Austin Chamber President, CEO Mike Rollins To Retire

AUSTIN, TX — Austin Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Rollins — who has served in those dual roles for 17 years — will retire by early next year, officials announced on Monday.

“Mike Rollins has been a stalwart of the Austin business community for the past 17 years,” Chamber Board Chair Brian Cassidy said in a prepared statement. “His leadership and vision helped transform our region into an economic powerhouse. His dedication to the Chamber and to our community are renowned across the region and those who have had the pleasure of working with Mike will tell you he truly believes in the good the business community can accomplish when it works together."

Rollins retirement will be effective on March 31, 2020, chamber officials said. Rollins has served as president and CEO of the Chamber since 2002. Prior to his time in Austin, he served in the same role at the Nashville Chamber of Commerce for 12 years.

Cassidy suggested Rollins' accomplishments are countless, and his absence leaves big shoes to fill: "The list of accomplishments Mike has had during his career is too long to list, but he has exemplified what makes Austin so special through his collaborative and innovative efforts. Austin would not be what it is today without his leadership. As we search for a new president for the Chamber of Commerce, we will keep in mind the qualities that Mike has exhibited during his illustrious career as a guide to find the right successor to lead us into the 2020s.”

Opportunity Austin Chair Gary Farmer also heaped praise on Rollins: “From day one, Mike Rollins has been determined that the Chamber would be a ‘best in class’ organization for the benefit of the entire Austin community,” said“As I reflect on Mike’s tenure, I know that he approached his job with integrity, honor, determination and heart. Mike has been a phenomenal leader and friend to many in this community. His legacy will shine for decades to come.”

The Chamber has retained Jorgenson Consulting, a national executive search firm, to lead a national search for its new president and CEO, officials said in a press advisory. The firm will work with a search committee composed of members of the Chamber’s board of directors.

Interested candidates may send resumes to austinchamber@jci-inc.net. The search firm will maintain applicant confidentiality, chamber officials noted.

ABOUT THE AUSTIN CHAMBER

The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce focuses on how the Austin region works. We serve as the voice of business for our member organizations and their employees throughout Central Texas. Our mission is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and effective advocacy for members.