Richardson Chamber of Commerce confirms leadership positions amid transition

Richardson Chamber of Commerce officials announced Sept. 26 it will retain Kimberly Quirk and Paul Bendel in leadership positions.

Quirk was appointed as interim president of the chamber, taking over for former CEO and President Bill Sproull, who resigned Feb. 4. She serves as the executive director of Leadership Richardson for the chamber and previously spent nine years on the Richardson ISD board of trustees, including five years as board president.

Quirk said when hired in February that the appointment was expected to be temporary. However, as the organization continues to transition, she said she will stay on in an official capacity as president and CEO.

In addition, chamber officials said Paul Bendel, senior vice president of programs and events, will stay on as executive director of Tech Titans, a local nonprofit technology trade organization that promotes the North Texas technology ecosystem, according to its website. Bendel has been with the organization since 2003 and leads its event and program planning.

The appointment of these leadership positions is important for the chamber as it shifts toward a new ideology off the back of the removal of the economic development department, according to Quirk.

The role of economic development had been part of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce’s responsibilities before the creation of the city’s department of economic development was approved in August. According to city officials, the creation of the new department is designed to better leverage essential economic development partnerships and opportunities.

The city of Richardson hired Jenny Mizutowicz to serve as the inaugural director of economic development.

Other changes expected for the chamber include a new logo/branding and expected renovations for the chamber building, which is located at 411 Belle Grove Drive.

For more information on the chamber, visit here.