It’s a common question—what exactly does the President, Executive Director, or CEO of a Chamber of Commerce do? After all, Chambers work with businesses of every shape and size, run events, advocate for policy, support education, promote tourism, and more.

That kind of reach doesn’t happen by accident.

At the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the role of President & CEO isn’t ceremonial. It’s foundational. It’s hands-on. And it’s deeply connected to the success of the Chamber’s members—and the entire Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Montgomery County, and New River Valley community.

Let’s peel back the curtain and explore what a Chamber leader really does day to day—and why that role matters more than many realize.

The President/CEO Is the Bridge Between Business and Community

At its core, the Chamber exists to serve the local business ecosystem—but it can’t do that in a vacuum.

The President & CEO serves as the bridge between:

• Business owners and policymakers

• Entrepreneurs and institutions like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College

• Private enterprise and public-sector projects

• Economic development goals and real-world implementation

It’s their job to listen to the needs of the business community and translate those needs into action—whether that’s advocating for policy changes, coordinating resources, or building relationships that open doors for members.

Strategic Vision and Direction

A Chamber President & CEO is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization. That includes:

• Identifying long-term goals for economic growth

• Designing programs that support members at all levels

• Creating an annual business plan and aligning it with community priorities

• Forecasting changes in the regional business climate

• Making sure the Chamber adapts to evolving needs

Here in Montgomery County, that might mean leading discussions on workforce housing, identifying trends in hiring from local universities, or launching programs that help small businesses digitize their operations.

This role isn’t about reacting to change—it’s about preparing for it.

Managing a Team and Board

Every Chamber is supported by staff and volunteers, but it’s the President & CEO who keeps the engine running.

That means:

• Overseeing daily operations and internal processes

• Supporting Chamber staff in delivering services and events

• Working with the Board of Directors to establish policies and governance

• Ensuring the Chamber stays financially healthy and mission-aligned

The Montgomery County Chamber’s President & CEO, Steve Baffuto, is not just an executive—he's a team leader, a motivator, and the person responsible for making sure everyone involved in the Chamber’s work is aligned and empowered.

Leading Community Partnerships

Chambers thrive on partnerships. And those partnerships don’t form overnight.

The President & CEO takes an active role in:

• Building relationships with local governments and planning departments

• Collaborating with schools and universities to strengthen workforce pipelines

• Serving on community boards and coalitions that align with Chamber values

• Coordinating regional efforts with economic development partners

From conversations about broadband and transportation, to internships and innovation zones, the Chamber President is often the person representing your business interests in broader regional discussions.

Advocacy and Public Policy

One of the most powerful parts of the job?

Advocacy.

A Chamber President & CEO:

• Keeps a pulse on proposed legislation and economic policies

• Attends public meetings and represents member interests

• Advocates for fair business regulations, tax structures, and incentives

• Works with state and national Chamber networks to stay aligned on business needs

At the Montgomery County Chamber, this means showing up at town council meetings, meeting with General Assembly representatives, and making sure businesses in our region have a voice at every level of government.

Overseeing Member Engagement and Retention

A great Chamber isn’t just about attracting new members—it’s about supporting and retaining them.

The Chamber President & CEO works to ensure that members:

• Get real value from their involvement

• Feel seen, heard, and represented

• Have opportunities to participate in meaningful ways

• Are supported with resources, referrals, and recognition

They review engagement metrics, meet with business owners, and refine offerings to better meet the needs of members—whether they’re a one-person shop or a 200-employee powerhouse.

Event Oversight and Program Development

While they may not be personally emceeing every mixer or conference, the President & CEO is behind the scenes making sure:

• Events are strategically aligned with business goals

• Programming supports member learning and growth

• Sponsorships and partnerships are managed effectively

• New initiatives (like leadership programs or nonprofit summits) are piloted and expanded

In Montgomery County, that includes major community events, education roundtables, award ceremonies, and member-led workshops.

It’s not just about putting on a good event—it’s about creating impactful experiences that help members succeed.

Financial and Operational Stewardship

Just like any business or nonprofit, a Chamber needs to keep the lights on—and the President & CEO is responsible for making sure that happens.

They:

• Create and manage the annual budget

• Monitor funding sources, including grants and sponsorships

• Ensure operational compliance and fiscal transparency

• Seek out new revenue streams that benefit members

Financial stewardship isn’t glamorous, but it’s crucial. Because if the Chamber is strong, the services and support it offers remain strong, too.

A Day in the Life (Spoiler: It’s Never the Same Twice)

A Chamber President & CEO might spend one day:

• Meeting with a new entrepreneur from downtown Christiansburg

• Presenting on workforce initiatives at a regional meeting

• Reviewing a legislative alert from Richmond

• Finalizing plans for a major Chamber awards dinner

• Helping a nonprofit member troubleshoot visibility issues

And the next?
On the phone with a local manufacturer, arranging a student internship program with NRCC, and setting up an advocacy call with other Chambers in Southwest Virginia.

It’s diverse. It’s dynamic. And it’s all grounded in serving local businesses.

Why It Matters to You

Whether you’re already a member or just starting to explore the Chamber, knowing what your President & CEO does helps you:

• Understand how decisions are made

• Identify ways to engage or share feedback

• Know who’s working behind the scenes for your business success

• Feel confident that your membership supports leadership that’s actually working for you

The Montgomery County Chamber’s leadership isn’t figurehead status. It’s action-oriented, member-focused, and future-driven.

Want to Learn More or Get Involved?

The President & CEO may lead the Chamber, but members shape it. If you want to know more about our President & CEO, visit montgomerycc.org/chamber-staff-board-of-directors.

If you have questions about leadership, programming, or advocacy—or want to connect with our Chamber team—we’re ready to talk.

• Email us at: marketing@montgomerycc.org

• Explore upcoming opportunities: https://business.montgomerycc.org/events/calendar

• Learn more about membership at: www.montgomerycc.org