Boise Metro Chamber hires Idaho governor’s senior staffer as new CEO

Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s deputy chief of staff, Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, will become president and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber, the chamber announced in a news release on Thursday.

Meuleman will take over the position in October, the release said.

Meuleman has served as deputy chief of staff and director of intergovernmental relations for Little and Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, Idaho’s previous governor. She also served as Idaho’s Director of Commerce, overseeing the state’s economic development efforts and tourism promotion efforts. 

Meuleman will replace Bill Connors, who is retiring after serving as president and CEO. Connors has served with the chamber since 2009.   

“The Boise Metro Chamber has been front and center in promoting the valley business community,” Meuleman said in the news release. “There is a reason Boise is a destination businesses are choosing to locate and expand. I look forward to carrying on the great work of Bill and the board to ensure all Boise-area business can succeed.”

The chamber selected Meuleman from a large pool of local and national applications after a national three-month search, through a 10-person search committee, according to the release.

“We are excited for Bobbi-Jo to be Bill’s successor as the CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber. She has demonstrated her ability to work closely with the business community over the last four years,” said board chairman Odette Bolano, CEO of Saint Alphonsus West Region, who oversaw the search.

Meuleman’s first day as president and CEO is Oct. 2, the release said. Connors will translation to a new title, president emeritus, and will assist with the leadership transition until the end of the year.

Correction: Meuleman was the governor’s deputy chief of staff.