Brown is currently the Vice President of Economic Development and his first official day in his new role will be May 1. As President and CEO, he will help set the future direction of the Salina business community through economic development, public policy, and continuation of the excellent Chamber programs and services that membership has come to expect.
“I’m humbled and thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Brown. “It is an exciting time to be in Salina and I look forward to working with the board of directors, staff, business community, and community partners to capture and expand on Salina’s momentum.”
Brown has been with the Chamber since 2011 and has served in three economic development related roles; prior to his time on Chamber staff, he worked for Kansas State Polytechnic and The Arnold Group.
“Eric has worked diligently over the last eight years to further his professional education and hone his skills as a Chamber Executive. He is passionate about Salina and Saline County businesses, and brings the enthusiasm, knowledge, and leadership needed to keep the chamber at the forefront of everything happening in our community,” said Joyce Volk, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair. “In addition, he is well-acquainted with leaders in Salina, understands the business climate in our community and across Kansas, and those strong relationships will enable him to move the chamber forward very effectively.”
Brown received his undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University and a Masters of Business Administration from Kansas Wesleyan University. He holds a Workforce Development Professional Certification from the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, is a graduate of the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management and was also awarded the 2014 Carol D. Ahlvers, Ph.D. Distinguished MBA Alumnus Award from Kansas Wesleyan University. Brown and his wife, Danielle, have two children and have called Salina home since 2006.