Lewis leaving area Chamber soon
Former lobbyists lauded for his work
Staff reports

DESERT FOOTHILLS – After four years as executive director of the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce, David Lewis is leaving to work for another Arizona chamber.

Citing a desire to continue his professional development, Lewis on Monday said he will become president of the Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce in Surprise in early January. The Carefree/Cave Creek chamber has 375 members. The chamber he will oversee has about  725 members.

Commenting on the political and economic climate of the Desert Foothills, Lewis said: “I think basically growth–managing growth” is difficult. “Preserving what makes this area so unique while maintaining a good business environment” are the main challenges, he related.

The local chamber issued a news release Monday announcing Lewis’ departure and its search for a replacement. Chamber president Joanne Gemmill and board member Dave Karsten both credited Lewis with organizing and bringing focus to the chamber’s mission.

Lewis took over in the wake of a tumultuous time in the chamber’s history, Karsten noted.

“He pulled things together quickly and got our books in order,” Karsten said. “Also, he’s come a long way in building political relationships with the council and mayors of both towns.”

The 42‑year‑old Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Southern Florida and a Masters in Business Administration from George Mason University in Virginia. Before becoming the area chamber’s executive director, he worked for 13 years in Washington D.C. as a lobbyist and public relations representative for public television.

Gemmill said of Lewis’ tenure with the Carefree/Cave Creek chamber, “He’s worked hard to create stability and build strong relationships. The chamber is a completely different organization than when he came here.”

According to Gemmill, the chamber is beginning their recruitment drive now to find Lewis’ replacement and, under the most optimistic conditions, hopes to pick a successor in mid‑January.

Though she declined to say how much the chamber is willing to pay a new executive director, Gemmill did say the salary will be commensurate with experience.