Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce announces Kevin T. Sheilley as new President & CEO

The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce announced the selection of Kevin T. Sheilley as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. He will officially assume his role on February 10, 2025.

Kevin brings a wealth of experience to the Chamber, having served for over 12 years as President & CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) in Ocala, Florida. Under his leadership, the CEP achieved significant milestones, including being recognized as Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) in 2020.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Sheilley as the new leader of the Charleston Metro Chamber,” said Matt Brewer, Chair of the Charleston Metro Chamber Board of Directors and President and CEO of Choate Construction. “Kevin brings a proven track record of tackling community advancement challenges similar to those we face here in the Charleston region. His experience, combined with a deep understanding of chamber operations, makes him uniquely qualified to lead our organization into the future.”

Kevin’s experience extends beyond the Ocala CEP. He was instrumental in the launch of the Lake Economic Area Development Partnership (LEAD Partnership) and previously served as President & CEO of economic development organizations in Kentucky and Tennessee.

“My wife, Lisa, and I are eager to join the vibrant Charleston community and the Chamber team. This organization is widely respected across the chamber industry and I am honored to be selected as the next President and CEO of America’s oldest chamber,” said Kevin Sheilley.

Kevin’s dedication to community advancement has been recognized throughout his career. He is a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) and has received numerous awards, including the Florida Chamber Executive of the Year and the James Coleman East Kentucky Power Local ED of the Year Award. Kevin also serves on the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Board of Directors.

Kevin was selected through a rigorous, national search conducted by Waverly Partners, a national executive search firm serving chambers and economic development organizations. The Chamber Board of Directors established a selection committee led by current Board Chair Matt Brewer. The committee, comprised of current Board members, past chairs, future chairs, elected officials, business leaders and major investors, conducted extensive interviews with top candidates qualified for the leadership role.

“We are confident that Kevin’s leadership will propel the Chamber to new heights,” said Elizabeth Burwell, Incoming Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and SVP for Southern First Bank. “His vision, energy and commitment to community will undoubtedly benefit our region for years to come.”

Kevin will be assuming the leadership role following the retirement of Bryan Derreberry who led the organization for over 13 years.