The Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce search committee unanimously selected Lara Fritts as the next president and chief executive officer effective Dec. 1.
Fritts follows Laurie Radke who stepped down from the role at the end of August after a 14-year tenure.
“I am proud to welcome Lara Fritts as the next President & CEO of the Greater Green Bay Chamber,” said Ryan Krumrie, Greater Green Bay Chamber Board Chairman. “Her roots in this community give her a deep understanding of the people and values that make our region strong while her extensive experience leading organizations and communities across the country throughout her career provide her with a national perspective that uniquely positions her to guide the Chamber into its next chapter.”
Fritts currently serves as director of the Frederick County Division of Economic Opportunity in Frederick, Maryland. Under her leadership, the division launched its first listening tour to identify challenges and opportunities facing the trades industry, resulting in a strategic plan to enhance workforce in the trades. She also led process improvements for business retention, expansion and small business services, increasing the project pipeline within key industry sectors resulting in over $1 billion of investment to the county.
She started her career leading community development programs across Wisconsin, including being the first leader of On Broadway, Inc. in Green Bay. She has a proven track record of success holding leadership roles in Maryland, Virginia, Utah and Washington, D.C.
“The Green Bay area is a community with extraordinary opportunity, strength, and momentum, and I am honored to be selected to help lead the region’s next chapter of business and economic growth.” said Fritts. “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on building diverse and dynamic economies, forging strong partnerships, and creating pathways to prosperity for everyone. I’m excited to return home to partner with our public and private partners as well as the exceptional team at the Greater Green Bay Chamber to champion bold initiatives, strengthen our business community, and drive growth that delivers lasting value across the region.”
Fritts holds a bachelor of science in regional analysis – community and economic development from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a master of science in urban studies – economic development from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She also earned the IEDC/ACCE Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals.
Her professional achievements include being awarded the Consultant Connect’s Top 50 Economic Developers, named a Fellow Member of the International Economic Development Council and recognized on the Virginia 500 Power List and 100 People to Meet by Virginia Business Magazine.
