Elmhurst Chamber administrator to be new executive director at Bolingbrook Chamber

BOLINGBROOK – The Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced it has selected Kevin O’Keeffe for the position of executive director.

O'Keeffe was selected to run the Bolingbrook Chamber based on his "outstanding accomplishments as well as his enthusiasm, passion and vision for the Bolingbrook community," according to a news release.

"O'Keeffe comes highly recommended and has established a name for himself within the chamber world here in Illinois," the release states.

O'Keeffe will be leaving his role as the director of membership for the Elmhurst Chamber. Prior to that, O'Keeffe was the owner of Fontano's Subs in Elmhurst and also served as the treasurer and chairman for the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and communications from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, the release states.

“The board is thrilled to have found a candidate who has experience as a small business owner, a chamber board chairman and experience working as chamber staff," said Mir Ali, chairman of the Bolingbrook Area Chamber Board of Directors. "It is not often that you find someone who has worked in all three areas.”

O'Keeffe begins his tenure Oct. 16.

“This is an exciting time for me," O'Keefe said. "I know we can take the Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce to the next level."

In the release, O'Keeffe mentioned improving the chamber's outreach to consumers in Bolingbrook and surrounding communities, making the Bolingbrook Area Chamber a resource for people trying to compare retailers and businesses, as an early goal.

O'Keeffe replaces Michael Carpanzano, who announced in August he was leaving the chamber's administration to become regional director of sales with Will County-based physical therapy practice PT Solutions.