Chamber to interview finalists for CEO post

The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is narrowing its search for its next president and chief executive officer.

Members of the chamber’s search committee have interviewed potential candidates and will invite finalists to town for more extensive talks, said Jim Otten, a Lawrence dentist and chamber chairman.

Finalists will be interviewed by members of the chamber’s board of directors and are scheduled for meetings with chamber employees, chamber members and other community leaders.

“This process and the results so far resonate with the kind of professionalism, focus and leadership that the chamber of commerce will represent,” Otten said.

The chamber is looking for a replacement for Lavern Squier, who resigned earlier this year and now works as senior vice president of the Economic Development Council of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce.

Chuck Warner, a retired bank president, has been serving as interim president and CEO since April. No timeline for hiring a new leader has been set.