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Valley Chamber leader Katherine Morgan to leave organization

Katherine Morgan speaks during a meeting on Oct. 23, 2014, that served as her introduction to Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce members as the organization’s new CEO and president. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
By Amy Edelen amye@spokesman.com(509) 459-5581

Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Katherine Morgan has announced her resignation.

Morgan has accepted a position as senior vice president and local market manager for Spokane/Boise with Bank of America.

“This transition is bittersweet, as I remain passionate about the accomplishments and momentum of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, its leadership, its team … each and every one of you,” she said in an email Thursday to chamber members. “The extraordinary dedication, passion, and heart of the most incredible team on staff, the leadership of today and those before, and most especially each of you, excites me as I look towards the brighter future ahead for this organization so vital to our beloved community.”

Morgan grew up in Post Falls and Spokane Valley. She previously worked as marketing director for the Spokane Homebuilders Association and held a similar role for the Homebuilder’s Association of Greater Kansas City. She also served as marketing director for Greenstone Corp. and was a project manager for its Kendall Yards development in downtown Spokane.

Morgan has led the Spokane Valley Chamber since September 2014, when she took over for Eldonna Shaw, who resigned that summer after 13 years with the organization.

During her tenure as CEO, Morgan spearheaded the chamber’s “Big 5” initiative, which implemented five obtainable goals for the city with input from residents and Chamber members.

“Katherine has taken this organization to new heights and inspired many community members and leaders to their next level of capabilities, all to the elevation of this business community and greater Spokane Valley as a whole,” Erica Young, Chamber board chair, said in a letter to chamber members.

Young noted that under Morgan’s leadership, the organization’s membership has grown to more than 750 from roughly 400.

A replacement for Morgan has not been named, but Young said the organization’s executive committee will implement interim plans for communication with members and the community, as well as begin the process to recruit Morgan’s replacement.

Morgan did not return calls seeking comment.