Kansas Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer Alan Cobb is stepping down after eight years leading the chamber to join the private sector.
The Kansas Chamber board of directors appointed Cobb to lead the organization in March 2017. Cobb couldn't immediately be reached for comment, but a press release announcing his departure said he will "continue to focus on initiatives that celebrate and support his beloved home state."
“The Kansas Chamber is grateful for the leadership Alan demonstrated as he championed policy solutions to enhance our state’s competitiveness,” said Karma Mason, chair of the Kansas Chamber Board.
Before joining the chamber, Cobb owned a public affairs consulting firm, directed the Kansas branch of Americans for Prosperity, managed political campaigns for candidates and on issues and was on the staff of U.S. Sens. Bob Dole, R-Kansas and Sheila Frahm, R-Kansas.
He advised the 2014 campaign of former U.S. Mike Pompeo, R-Kansas, and former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas. In President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, he served as a senior adviser and the national coalitions director and later served on the Trump-Pence transition team.
Mason celebrated Cobb ahead of his departure, highlighting his work championing pro-business policies and aligning interests among business leadership groups in the state.
“Throughout his tenure, Alan expanded the Chamber’s influence and impact. From reducing barriers to entry to reining in excessive regulations, he consistently worked to empower Kansas businesses to thrive. I’m especially grateful for his efforts to align Leadership Kansas and the Chamber, ensuring both organizations are united in their shared mission of advancing the state through strong business leadership," Mason said.
The Chamber board is in the process of identifying and appointing Cobb's permanent successor.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Alan Cobb at the Kansas Chamber of Commerce resigns as CEO
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