Kemble Pope has announced that he is stepping down as CEO of the Davis Chamber of Commerce. Courtesy photo

Kemble K. Pope, CEO of the Davis Chamber of Commerce, has announced his resignation after nearly three years at the helm. The search for his successor will begin this week, and Pope pledged to stay on to train the new leader.

During Pope’s tenure, the Chamber has improved its financial position, strengthened partnerships with many local and regional organizations, launched multiple initiatives to improve the Davis economy and become a more active and relevant voice in local and regional public policy, a Chamber news release said.

“It has been an honor to serve the business community in this role and I am grateful for the opportunity to develop working relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime,” Pope said. “While I have enjoyed leading this organization and publicly representing the business community to cultivate local prosperity, it is now time for me to move on to other opportunities.

“With a six-year strategic plan in place, an engaged membership and stellar volunteers and staff, I’m confident that the Davis Chamber will continue its current momentum and quest for excellence and will achieve even greater successes for our members and increased prosperity for our entire community. … Onward and upward!”

Pope said he plans to stay in Davis and looks forward “to many years of community involvement.”

As Pope completes the transition to new leadership, he’ll also be putting the final touches on the Chamber’s 2020 Prosperity Plan, a six-year strategic work plan to guide the organization.

Jennifer Nitzkowski, the Chamber’s 2014 board chair and a partner with Carbahal & Company, thanked him for his leadership.

“Kemble’s legacy is a reinvigorated organization on sound financial footing with the wherewithal to take action,” she said in a news release. “He will be greatly missed and we wish him success in all of his future endeavors.”

The Chamber took a leadership role in advocating for the business community at City Hall during Pope’s tenure, and Mayor Joe Krovoza commended him for his contributions.

“Kemble’s leadership has seen our local Chamber taking a broad view of community needs,” Krovoza said. “His teams understand that the overall quality of life and implementation of community values are essential to businesses locating and thriving in Davis.”

Added City Councilman Lucas Frerichs, “Kemble Pope has worked tirelessly to ensure that the business community is well represented in city matters. He has also remained laser-focused on assisting Davis in growing a vibrant economy; we’re positioned to reap the multitude of benefits created by economic development and high-paying job growth that matches our community’s values.”

Said Tamiko M. Gaines, director of institutional relations and development for HM Clause, an international vegetable seed company, “His ability to advocate for business, to build partnerships and to drive the Chamber forward serves as a model for the CEOs who follow.

“While we are sorry to see Kemble go, we are so very fortunate to have benefited from his leadership. We wholeheartedly wish Kemble the best in the next phase of his career.”

The search for Pope’s successor will begin on Thursday with the release of necessary qualifications and experience to apply for the position. Pope will lead the search committee, which will include former board chairs and current directors. A candidate should be hired and in place by Sept. 1, he said.

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