Tom Baldrige announced Wednesday that he will retire as Lancaster Chamber president and CEO as of June 2022.
Baldrige, who turns 62 this month, has headed the chamber since 2000. Under his leadership, it won the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives' "Chamber of the Year" award twice, in 2003 and 2013, and was a top three finalist in 2021.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the chamber and its affiliate, the Economic Development Co. of Lancaster County, partnered with county government on the Recovery Lancaster economic relief program, which disbursed $49 million in aid and distributed $6 million in personal protective equipment.
“I have enjoyed every minute of my service to the Chamber," Baldrige said in a statement, praising its board, staff, volunteers and what he termed "the best damned business community in the United States.”
“It has truly been my pleasure to serve,” he said, “and I cannot thank each and every one of you enough for your ongoing support.”
The chamber has set up a search committee to name Baldrige's successor, co-chaired by Michelle Rondinelli, president of Kitchen Kettle Inc. and 2020 chamber chair; and J. Seroky, president of High Concrete and 2022 chamber chair. The search process will launch in mid-November, the chamber said.
