Round Rock Chamber Of Commerce Appoints New CEO/President

ROUND ROCK, TX — Round Rock Chamber officials on Wednesday announced that Jason Ball has been selected as its new President and CEO.

Ball currently serves as the president and CEO of the Sioux Falls (South Dakota) Area Chamber of Commerce, officials said, and will begin his tenure in Round Rock by mid-September.

The Round Rock Chamber is the leading economic development organization in Round Rock tasked with recruiting new employers, jobs, and investment to the community. In the role of chamber president and CEO, Ball will play a key role in the community while working with leaders in business, education, elected officials, government staff and other not-for-profit organizations to enhance economic opportunities for the city.

“I am so excited to begin work with the staff and leadership team,” Ball said in a prepared statement. “I was very impressed with the strong focus on economic development and the close partnership with the City of Round Rock. It is an honor to join this team.”

According to a bio provided by the city, Ball is a Certified Economic Developer and earned an MBA from the University of Nebraska. Additionally, he is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management and Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute.

“We are looking forward to having Jason join our great city.” Mayor Craig Morgan said in a prepared statement. “He has a track record of tremendous leadership and will continue to move us forward through community partnerships and collaboration.”

Ball's selection to lead the chamber was the culmination of work by Jorgenson Consulting, a leading executive search firm with expertise in economic development organizations, which the chamber's board of directors engaged to conduct a nationwide search.

“Jason Ball is highly qualified and will be a great asset to Round Rock,” added David Hays, the chamber’s chairman of the board, in a prepared statement. “After an extensive search, the board feels confident that Jason is the best candidate to lead the chamber in our vibrant community. We feel very fortunate to have found such a great fit for our outstanding chamber.”

Tammy Young, a member of both the chamber and city council, echoed the sentiment: "We're very happy to welcome Jason as our new chamber CEO. There is no doubt that he will prove to be a great fit for our chamber and our community. He has much to contribute to our continued success in Round Rock.”

In a press advisory, city officials detailed more on Ball's background:

• In 2015, Ball was selected as one of Development Counsellors International, “40 Under 40 – Rising Stars in Economic Development.
• He is an active member of the International Economic Development Council, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100.
• Prior to Sioux Falls, Ball was the President of the Hutchinson/Reno County (Kansas) Chamber of Commerce for four years, and the Director of Business Development for the Lincoln (Nebraska) Chamber of Commerce for five years.

“Jason’s background and experience leading economic development will complement our work in the area of business attraction, retention, and expansion.” Ryan Therrell, the chamber’s Momentum chair, said in a prepared statement.

Ball succeeds Mike Odom, who recently took the leadership role at the Knoxville (Tennessee) Area Chamber of Commerce after five years in Round Rock. Ball will be relocating to Round Rock this summer with his wife and their two children.