Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced today two significant steps in the search for the organization’s next President and CEO: the engagement of professional executive search firm Waverly Partners and an interim leadership agreement with outgoing President/CEO Derek Rusher.
Interim Leadership Through Transition
Effective Feb. 18, 2026, Derek Rusher will serve as Interim CEO on a part-time consulting basis through the search and hiring process for his permanent successor.
“Derek’s continued involvement during this transition ensures we maintain the momentum he has built over the past eight years,” said Nathan Dorsey, Board Chair. “We deeply appreciate his passion for the Chamber and his willingness to support our staff and membership during this important period. His guidance will be invaluable as we work to identify our next leader.”
Rusher, who announced in January his resignation, will provide leadership continuity while empowering the Chamber’s staff to continue serving the organization’s membership and advancing strategic initiatives.
Professional Search Firm Engaged
The Board has also engaged Waverly Partners, a Ward Howell company, to conduct a comprehensive executive search for the Chamber’s next President and CEO.
Waverly Partners specializes in executive searches for chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and nonprofit associations. The firm brings extensive experience conducting successful searches throughout Nebraska and the region, with a proven track record of identifying and recruiting transformational leaders.
“We conducted a thorough evaluation of search firms and selected Waverly Partners based on their specialized expertise, strong references, and demonstrated success with similar organizations in our state,” Dorsey explained. “Their professional approach and deep understanding of chamber leadership will be instrumental in helping us find the right person to lead the Kearney Area Chamber into its next chapter.”
Community Input Invited
As part of the search process, Waverly Partners will be conducting stakeholder interviews over the next 10 days with community leaders, business representatives, Chamber members, and other key constituents. These conversations will help shape the leadership profile and identify the qualities most important for the Chamber’s next CEO.
Community members and stakeholders interested in participating in these input sessions should contact the Board at board@kearneycoc.org.
“We want to hear from our community,” Dorsey added. “This search is about finding a leader who will serve our entire business community, and input from diverse voices will strengthen that process.”
Timeline Update
The Board acknowledges that the original timeline for posting the President/CEO position has been adjusted to accommodate the Chamber’s Annual Membership Banquet and the engagement of Waverly Partners.
“Our Annual Meeting last week was a tremendous success, bringing together hundreds of members to celebrate our accomplishments and look ahead to 2026 with our theme of ‘Investing in Tomorrow,'” said Dorsey. “Taking time to properly honor Derek’s service and secure the right search partner was important to ensuring we conduct a thorough, professional process.”
The Board now intends to have the position posted within the next two weeks. Potential candidates are encouraged to monitor the Chamber’s website at https://www.kearneycoc.org/president-ceo-search and watch for an official announcement via press release.
