Dan Baxter Announced as the President & CEO of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce

RICHMOND, B.C. — The Richmond Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce their incoming President and CEO is Dan Baxter, who will be starting his new role on May 31, 2021. Baxter brings decades of experience and passion for business issues to Richmond’s largest business organization.

“I am honoured and excited to lead the Richmond Chamber of Commerce during these challenging times,” said Baxter. “The pandemic has impacted communities and businesses, but together we will navigate our way through. The Richmond Chamber has been at the forefront responding to and supporting Richmond businesses through COVID-19. As those businesses continue to build their resiliency, re-open, and, hopefully, look beyond the pandemic, I look forward to working with the Chamber team to ensure the Richmond business community is best positioned to get on a lasting road to recovery.”

Baxter has distinguished himself as a provincial community leader, serving as the BC Chamber of Commerce’s Director of Policy Development, Government and Stakeholder Relations since 2013. Most recently, he acted as the provincial organization’s Interim CEO, leading much of the movement’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and advocating for such measures as the PST rebate on machinery and equipment, enhanced broadband connectivity for rural and remote communities, and the Small and Medium Sized Recovery Grant.

A graduate of the University of British Columbia in Political Science with a focus on Canadian Government, Baxter also brings his years of experience as an organizer and Ministerial advisor. He has his eye on a solid economic recovery and bright future for all Richmond businesses, and is eager to roll up his sleeves to support these employers.

Baxter will also work closely with the Chamber’s Board of Directors, volunteers, members, government officials, and stakeholders to prioritize the pressing needs of Richmond’s business community.

“Our Board of Directors, staff, and our members are pleased to welcome Dan Baxter as our new President and CEO,” said Brian Corcoran, Chair of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce. “Dan is the ideal choice for our Chamber as he brings a wealth of policy experience together with a keen knowledge of the Richmond business community. We look forward to an exciting new chapter with Dan at the helm that will further strengthen our Chamber as the leading voice of business in Richmond. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our interim Co-CEOs Shaena Furlong and Dan Sakaki for their exceptional leadership of the Chamber through this transitional period.”

The President and CEO search was led by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce CEO Transition Task Force with the support of the lower mainland executive search firm WATSON.