A NEW CHAPTER. By the end of the year, the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce will be moved into a new location – and have a new leader. Andrew Holt, pictured, was announced as the organization's next CEO and president on Oct. 8. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth / Headshot submitted)

The Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce has named its next CEO and president. Andrew Holt, a California native and longtime organizational leader, will begin his new role in the Chippewa Valley on Thursday, Oct. 22.

The announcement, shared in an Oct. 8 media release, follows an extensive national search to fill the position – following this summer's news that former CEO Ashley DeMuth would be leaving the Menomonie Area Chamber after roughly seven years.

DeMuth hasn’t gone far; she formally accepted the CEO role for the neighboring Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce – following longtime leader Dave Minor – this August.

A scroll through Holt’s LinkedIn page will show a number of leadership roles, ranging from Main Street organizations, chambers of commerce and even a decade-plus in broadcast (news and sports).

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i am struck by the commitment of the community members towards their community's well-being.

And thus, am honored to be selected for this role and look forward to partnering on many achievements in the future.

andrew holt

incoming ceo & president, menomonie area chamber of commerce

Holt filled his most recent role – serving as president of Downtown Topeka, Inc., in Washington – for just shy of one year. 

Travis Ida, president of the Menomonie Area Chamber Board of Directors, told Volume One “it became increasingly clear that Andrew was the right fit for both the chamber and the Menomonie community” during the hiring search. 

“Andrew repeatedly pointed to three things that stood out to him: the natural beauty of western Wisconsin, the welcoming and vibrant nature of the Menomonie community and the outstanding reputation of our chamber,” Ida said.

“I am truly excited to be the new president and CEO,” Holt shared in the media release. “This is a wonderful community. It is not only visually beautiful but also has so much to offer. I am struck by the commitment of the community members towards their community’s well-being. And thus, am honored to be selected for this role and look forward to partnering on many achievements in the future.”

Ida said both the board and chamber teams have worked the past several years to restore and strengthen the chamber's standing as a community partner. With a strong foundation now in place, he said, the most exciting opportunities lie ahead, he said.

Learn more about the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce online at www.menomoniechamber.org.