New chamber CEO: ‘There’s always more we could be doing’
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe incoming president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce says she wants to build on the “strong track record of success” of her predecessor when she takes over the reins.
The chamber earlier this month announced Vanessa Green Sinders as its next leader, succeeding Kevin Brinegar, who is retiring in January after 20 years in the role. She will be the first woman to hold the position in the chamber’s history.
“I want to…really be the convener across the state, working with our partners to create an environment that retains, attracts, and supports Hoosier businesses and the Hoosier workforce,” Sinders said.
In an interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Sinders said she thinks there is more the chamber can do, especially in terms of talent development.
“We can think about new ideas,” she said. “I think that the future economy and the exciting things happening in Indiana around life sciences, fintech, advanced manufacturing, innovation, the research and investment from the universities, I think we have so so much good stuff going on. And I think that the chamber has an opportunity to continue being and take on that real convener role to support those objectives for the state.”
Sinders currently leads her own consulting firm in Indianapolis and previously served as senior vice president for government affairs at Charter Communications, a public broadband and cable company based in Stamford, Connecticut.
While she’s only been in Indiana for about a year, Sinders is no stranger to the Hoosier State. Her husband is a native of Clay County, and she said she has been impressed with what she’s seen in the state over the past 20 years.
“We have such [a] strong history of leaders and work that has been been done in the state,” she said. “I think that we’re at a really great point to kind of take it to the next level…and take advantage of the opportunities that are out there. Whether it’s the federal government investing in some of these priorities, Indiana has already shown and can continue to show that we are right there willing to step up and solve those really important national challenges.”
Sinders will serve as president and CEO-elect of the Indiana Chamber beginning Oct. 16 and assume the full role on Jan. 5, following Brinegar’s retirement.
Peter Blanchard will have more on Sinders and her appointment in Friday’s edition of the Indianapolis Business Journal.