Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Experience Jackson Announce New President and CEO

(August 4, 2023 1:26 PM ET) The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Jackson County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (Experience Jackson) today announced that Ryan Tarrant has been named the President and CEO of both organizations effective September 5, 2023.

The selection of Tarrant as the new President and CEO comes after conducting a national search led by an industry leading executive search firm and the Chamber and Experience Jackson’s Search Committee.  More than 200 applications were received by the search committee.

“Ryan comes to us with depth of leadership and advocacy experience,” said Mollie Bolton, Chair, Jackson Chamber Board of Directors. “We are pleased to welcome Ryan to live, work & play in Jackson & look forward to working alongside him”.

Tarrant most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Business Leaders for Michigan, with five previous years as president and CEO of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership, the chamber added hundreds of new members and secured more than $1 million in public funding for its talent attraction and retention initiative, began the Minority Business Partnership program, and created a robust advocacy strategy that drove community infrastructure projects, placemaking activities, and engagement with local, state, and federal officials. 

Prior to the chamber, Ryan held a variety of positions in government and politics. He served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar and as District Director for U.S. Rep. Dave Camp and ran numerous federal campaigns. He also was a political affairs manager for the Michigan Bankers Association.  

“I am excited to join the outstanding team at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Experience Jackson. My wife, Sheril and I have been impressed with Jackson County, its public spaces, vibrant business community and welcoming people,” said Tarrant. “I look forward to working with the team, our members and community stakeholders to grow Jackson’s opportunities for business, tourism, and a diverse talent base”.

In the press announcement, the Chamber noted that Ryan Tarrant’s first public appearance will take place at the JAXPO Business Showcase event on Thursday, October 19, 2023. Tickets to the JAXPO’s  Economic Luncheon are now available.