Kearney Area Chamber Announces Julie Snyder as Next President & CEO

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nathan Dorsey, Board Chair Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce (308) 237-3101 | board@kearneycoc.org

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Kearney Area Chamber Announces Julie Snyder as Next President & CEO

KEARNEY, NE – July 17, 2026 – The Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has named Julie Snyder as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Snyder will begin on August 24, 2026, leading Nebraska’s third-largest chamber and one of the region’s respected business advocacy organizations.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and our membership, I am thrilled to welcome Julie,” said Nathan Dorsey, Board Chair. “Following a comprehensive national search, Julie stood out for her experience, vision, and collaborative spirit. We are confident she will build on the Chamber’s strong foundation and lead us into an exciting next chapter.”

Snyder brings extensive chamber of commerce and business advocacy leadership experience, including a proven record of membership growth, community engagement, and organizational excellence. She is eager to plant roots in Kearney and work alongside the region’s business community.

“I am honored to join the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and grateful for the trust placed in me,” Snyder said. “Kearney has remarkable momentum, strong business leadership, and a clear sense of identity. The Chamber’s 5-Star Accreditation reflects exceptional professionalism, and I’m excited to build on that strength with fresh ideas, strategic focus, and collaboration.”
 

Julie Snyder, President & Chief Executive Officer

Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce

Julie Snyder is the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, bringing more than 20 years of experience in chamber leadership, business advocacy, and community development. She joined the Kearney Area Chamber in August 2026, becoming the leader of Nebraska’s third-largest chamber and one of the region’s most respected business organizations.

Before coming to Kearney, Julie served as President & CEO of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce in North Texas, where she led strategic planning, strengthened regional partnerships, enhanced member engagement, and oversaw major organizational improvements, including a full headquarters renovation. Prior to Richardson, she spent more than a decade as President & CEO of the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau, guiding the organization through significant membership growth, expanded advocacy efforts, and increased investor support.

Julie’s career also includes leadership roles with the California/Nevada/Arizona Automotive Wholesalers’ Association, the Roseville Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau of Central/Northern Arizona, and the Greater Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM), a Certified Tourism Executive (CTE), a WACE Academy graduate, and an alumna of Leadership Reno.

Known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to operational excellence, Julie is dedicated to strengthening the Chamber’s 5-Star Accredited foundation and advancing the economic vitality of the Kearney region. She and her husband are excited to make Kearney their home and look forward to becoming active members of the community.

The national search was conducted with Waverly Partners, a Ward Howell company specializing in chamber of commerce and nonprofit leadership recruitment.

“We are grateful to Waverly Partners for their expertise and professionalism throughout this process,” Dorsey added. “Their work ensured access to a strong, diverse field of candidates.”

The Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce represents approximately 900 member businesses and organizations across the region. The Chamber is 5-Star Accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a distinction held by only a small percentage of chambers nationwide and serves as the unified voice for commerce and community advancement in Buffalo County.
 

Members and community partners will have upcoming opportunities to meet Snyder and welcome her to Kearney, with details to be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.kearneycoc.org or call (308) 237-3101.