The Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee has announced the appointment of Matt Baird as the interim president of the Chamber. The appointment will last until a new president is named. The action follows the resignation of Chamber President Blake Fry last week.

Baird is currently the Chamber’s Director of Business and Governmental Relations. He served as a captain in the United States Army. He holds an MBA from Baker University and is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management, a professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. He joined the Chamber staff in 2015.

“I am honored to accept this responsibility and look forward to continuing the important work before us,” says Baird. “As someone who has served the Chamber as a volunteer, a board member, and a member of the staff, I have great pride in the organization. With the help of our excellent staff, board and committee members, we will keep our Chamber moving forward.”

“This is a very event-packed time on the Chamber calendar. We are very fortunate to have someone of Matt’s experience and abilities who is willing and able to step in at this critical juncture,” said Chamber Board Chair Jon Garlow. “The Executive Team and the Board of Directors are very appreciative of his service.”

The Chamber’s Executive Committee is currently formulating a plan and criteria for a nationwide search for a new president. Details will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.