The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of its new president, Matthew Baumgartner. Baumgartner will take the seat of long-time president David Ross, who is retiring from the Chamber July 31 after 24 years of service.

Matt brings an impressive slate of talent and experience to the Chamber. He currently serves as the General Manager and Director of Government Affairs for Grandma’s Restaurant Corporation. Matt has served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors since 2016, including leadership as Board Chair, adapting the Chamber at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also currently the President of the Canal Park Business Association, a member of the DECC Board of Directors and Finance Committee, participant on the Spirit Mountain Task Force, a Board member for the Duluth Area YMCA Association, FIRST Robotics Regional Planning Committee, and studying to earn his master’s degree in Business Administration.

The Chamber’s Executive Search Committee went through an extensive and exhaustive process to find the next leader of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, meeting with several strong and impressive candidates from throughout the region and beyond. Matt’s experience, connections and passion are well suited to help move the Duluth Chamber and the regional business community forward.

“Thanks to the leadership and legacy of David Ross, the Duluth Area Chamber, and Duluth’s business community, are in a strong position and poised for growth,” states Daniel Fanning, Chair of the Executive Search Committee. “Matt is the perfect leader to continue to build on that legacy and momentum, help guide our business community through the pandemic recovery, and ensure that our Chamber members have the steadfast support they need to be successful.”

“The Duluth Chamber Board of Directors is thrilled to hire Matt as our new president,” explains Chamber Board Chair Karen Stromme. “With his unique leadership skills, love of our community and business acumen, the board unanimously endorsed Matt to lead the Chamber into its next era.”

Matt will begin his leadership with the Chamber on July 19, 2021.

“I want to thank Board Chair Karen Stromme, Chair-Elect Dan Fanning, and the rest of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors for their support,” states incoming president, Matt Baumgartner. “This will be the greatest honor and privilege of my career and I am extremely excited to start working with the talented board of directors and the Chamber staff.”