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Grand Rapids Chamber Announces Leadership Changes

Grand Rapids Chamber Announces Leadership Changes 5|Grand Rapids Chamber Announces Leadership Changes|Grand Rapids Chamber Announces Leadership Changes 2|Grand Rapids Chamber Announces Leadership Changes 3|Grand Rapids Chamber Announces Leadership Changes 4

Today, the Grand Rapids Chamber announced four key leadership changes to advance the organization’s mission of building a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all.

The organization has named Omar Cuevas as the Vice President of Investor & Corporate Relations, Andy Johnston as the Senior Vice President of Advocacy & Strategic Engagement, Josh Lunger as the Vice President of Government Affairs, and Mark Allen as the Senior Director of Business Services. These changes include title changes, promotions, and new responsibilities.

“The new structure we’ve developed puts the Chamber in an excellent position for our next phase of growth as we work to lead and support our dynamic business community,” said Rick Baker, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber. “It is truly an honor serving West Michigan with such a talented team of highly-regarded professionals.”

 

Grand Rapids Chamber Announces Leadership Changes 3Omar Cuevas has been named the Vice President of Investor & Corporate Relations for the Grand Rapids Chamber. In this role, he will develop and execute strategies to grow revenue through new sales and enhanced engagement for Chamber members and investors. As a member of the Grand Rapids Chamber’s Executive Leadership Team, he has influenced organizational priorities to support an inclusive economy and prosperous West Michigan for all. Omar has been recognized in the past by the State of Michigan Hispanic Caucus as Hispanic Advocate of the Year and is very involved in the community. He currently serves on the board of Literacy Center of West Michigan, the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority Board, the Michigan State Police Bridge to Blue Citizen’s Advisory Board, Grand Rapids Sister Cities, City of Grand Rapids Local Officers Compensation Commission, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc Alliance 4 Committee, Grand Rapids Community Foundation Latinx Advisory Committee, and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Membership Division Board. Omar is part of the leadership team driving the work of the Kent County-City of Grand Rapids Welcome Plan for New Americans and teaches entrepreneurship through the Ferris State University Emprende program at the Hispanic Center.

 

Grand Rapids Chamber Announces Leadership ChangesAndy Johnston joined the Chamber in 2005 and formerly served as the Vice President of Government Affairs. As the new Senior Vice President of Advocacy & Strategic Engagement, Andy now oversees the Grand Rapids Chamber Foundation in addition to the Chamber’s work in public policy, marketing, and events. His responsibilities include identifying broad trends in the public policy arena that may impact business and leading the organization’s content strategies, communications, and public relations. Andy serves as a member of the Chamber’s Executive Leadership Team, which is responsible for strategic planning and execution and organizational development. He is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute of Management and has been designated as a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). Andy was recently selected to serve as the Chair of the ACCE Government Affairs Division and serve on the ACCE Board of Directors. He has been named a 40 under 40 recipient by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Grand Rapids Business Journal.

 

Grand Rapids Chamber Announces Leadership Changes 4Josh Lunger has been advocating for the West Michigan business community for over ten years. Now, as the Vice President of Government Affairs, Josh will be working to create a vibrant business climate by leading the Chamber’s public policy efforts on behalf of over 2,400 members. Josh is a known and respected policy leader, especially in the areas of housing, transportation and local government. Among other volunteer positions, he serves on the boards of Housing Kent, Mobile GR & Parking Services Commission, Kent County Housing Commission, and the Wellspring Preparatory High School Board of Education. Josh is a combat veteran and former paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Josh was recognized in GRBJ’s “40 under 40” in 2018, and in the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive’s 40 under 40 in 2020.

 

Grand Rapids Chamber Announces Leadership Changes 2Mark Allen is the Senior Director of Business Services at the Grand Rapids Chamber, where he has served in several capacities for the past 13 years. Mark has a passion for connecting members to the people and resources needed for their continued growth and success. In addition to being a graduate of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management, he has received two recognitions as a designated chamber professional from the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals (MACP) and has built his career around the fundamentals of providing a very high-level of customer service while creating positive member experiences. Mark is an active leader in MACP, serving as chair of the Program Committee multiple times and is currently co-chair, as our Chamber will be hosting the annual convention in Grand Rapids later this year.

 

 

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About the Grand Rapids Chamber

The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce leads the business community in creating a dynamic, top-of-mind West Michigan region. Together with over 2,500 member businesses (80% of which are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees), we work to expand the influence, access, and information required to actively encourage entrepreneurial growth and community leadership. We offer the connections, resources, and insights needed to develop strong leaders, engage a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive and welcoming community, and advance a vibrant business environment that nurtures economic prosperity for all. Learn more at www.grandrapids.org

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