Little Rock Regional Chamber hires James Reddish as executive vice president

The Little Rock Regional Chamber has hired James Reddish as its new executive vice president, effective March 1. He is filling the spot vacated by Graham Cobb, who was hired late last year as CEO of the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Reddish the past two-and-a-half years working for the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning in Chicago, partnering with community leaders in more than a dozen states on efforts to align workforce to drive economic growth.

“I am honored and very exciting to be joining such a strong organization in this wonderful community,” Reddish said in a statement. “There has never been a more important time for business and community leaders to come together to overcome shared challenges and seize opportunity for regional growth. I believe the Chamber can continue to facilitate that leadership and ensure an economic future for the Little Rock region that benefits all.”

Prior to his work at CAEL, Reddish was vice president of economic and workforce development for Louisville’s regional chamber known as Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI), where he led the organization’s program of work within economic development as well as education and workforce development.

During his career, Reddish has served on the boards of several community organizations including the Louisville Sports Commission, Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana, the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency and the Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics Network.

“With the amazing team already in place at the Little Rock Regional Chamber, it was important to seek a talented, experienced and results-driven leader to help drive us forward,” Little Rock Regional Chamber CEO Jay Chesshir said in a news release.  “We strongly believe that James is that dynamic leader who can help us continue to improve, grow and serve our membership.”