Ozark chamber hires CEO

The Ozark Chamber of Commerce has hired a new president and CEO.

Chris Russell, who has leadership experience at the Nixa Chamber of Commerce, started yesterday in the top role at the Ozark chamber, according to a news release.

"While I hail from another town in Christian County just a short distance away, my commitment to serving the Ozark chamber and the wider community remains unwavering," said Russell, a Nixa native, in the release. "Having the opportunity to bring my passion for success to Ozark and collaborate with the board, volunteers and the entire community is an immense honor for me."

At the Ozark chamber, Russell takes over for Ashley Johnson, the organization's interim leader since late last year. Prior to that, Rachael Salveter led the chamber for 18 months, according to past reporting.

Russell stepped down from the Nixa chamber about a year ago due to personal reasons, according to past reporting. He led the Nixa chamber for five years and was succeeded there on an interim basis by Johnson before her temporary leadership role with the Ozark chamber. Whitney Guison became the Nixa chamber's CEO in summer 2023.

Johnson will continue to serve the Ozark chamber as a board member, according to the release.

"Working alongside Chris at the Nixa Chamber of Commerce was an honor, and I witnessed his exceptional skills in action," Johnson said in the release. "I am confident that his leadership and chamber experience are precisely what the Ozark Chamber of Commerce needs to continue progressing."

The Ozark chamber ranked No. 5 on Springfield Business Journal's list this year of the area's largest chambers of commerce, with 431 members.