Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Dobson will leave his duties Oct. 9 to take the president and CEO role with the Elkhart County Economic Development Corp., the chamber board announced Wednesday. A search committee lead by Board Chair Jane Wear has been put in place to seek Dobson’s replacement, according to the announcement. “My time in Kosciusko County has been a wonderful experience. I cannot express enough my appreciation for the community,” Dobson said. “The chamber won’t miss a beat in my absence. The incredible staff will ensure the mission carries on.” Dobson, 53, has over 30 years of economic and community development experience in the public and private sectors in Indiana, including more than five years as head of the Kosciusko Chamber, according to Elkhart County EDC’s announcement of Dobson taking the position. He was named Indiana Chamber Executive of the Year in 2014 for implementing the chamber’s strategic plan, was instrumental in raising funds to support the Elevate Indiana venture firm in the North Central Region and oversaw the absorption of the Warsaw Community Development Corp. into the chamber’s mission. “I am very excited to be joining the EDC and to become actively involved in the communities of Elkhart County,” he is quoted as saying in the Elkhart EDC release. “The EDC of Elkhart County is the area’s premier Economic Development entity. The mission to collaborate with community leadership to grow Elkhart County is a challenge not taken lightly.” Dobson will take over as president Oct. 14. Wear noted in the announcement, “The chamber serves over 600 members and represents a most desirable opportunity. We look for a rapid transition to new leadership. The chamber team in place will continue to serve our members with the highest level of professionalism during this period of transition.”
