Rowan Chamber names Christine Lynn as next president and CEO
SALISBURY - The Rowan Chamber of Commerce has selected Dr. Christine Lynn, associate dean of Catawba College's Ketner School of Business, as its next president and chief executive officer.
The chamber announced the appointment this week following a search conducted by the chamber's executive board committee, a search committee of Rowan County leaders and executive search consultant Dari Caldwell. Lynn will begin her new role Aug. 17.
Lynn succeeds Elaine Spalding, who has led the chamber since May 2013 and plans to retire at the end of August. During Spalding's tenure, the Rowan Chamber earned national recognition from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Chamber officials said Lynn emerged from a strong pool of candidates because of her experience in workforce development, strategic planning, talent retention, community engagement and partnership building.
Currently serving as associate dean of the Ketner School of Business, Lynn has worked extensively in workforce development, employer engagement, entrepreneurship and leadership development. She also serves as chair-elect of the Rowan Chamber board of directors and has been involved in initiatives focused on strategic planning, workforce readiness and young professional engagement.
"I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been selected as the next president & CEO of the Rowan Chamber," Lynn said in a statement. "This organization has a strong legacy of business leadership and community impact under Elaine Spalding's leadership, and I believe the opportunity ahead is significant."
Lynn said Rowan County is positioned for continued growth and innovation and that she looks forward to working with businesses, local governments, schools, nonprofits and chamber members to strengthen the region.
Starling Johnson Kaklamanos, chair of the Rowan Chamber board of directors, said Lynn distinguished herself throughout the search process.
"Christine emerged as an exceptional candidate throughout each phase of the search process," Kaklamanos said. "She understands Rowan County deeply, has built meaningful relationships across sectors, and brings an innovative and forward-thinking approach to chamber leadership."
Kaklamanos noted that chambers of commerce increasingly serve as connectors among business advocacy, workforce development, leadership cultivation and regional collaboration.
"Christine has spent her career operating at that intersection," Kaklamanos said.
Catawba College President Dr. David Nelson praised Lynn's contributions to the college and community, citing her role in strategic planning, business school programming and partnerships throughout Rowan County.
"She's a brilliant choice to lead the Chamber, and I'm especially glad to partner with her to develop a good economy for our citizens," Nelson said.
Meg Dees, Catawba's vice president for development, described Lynn as a collaborative leader who has consistently brought together educators, business leaders and community partners around shared goals.
Spalding expressed confidence in Lynn's ability to lead the chamber into its next chapter.
"Christine brings a unique combination of strategic thinking, relationship-building, innovation, and genuine passion for Rowan County," Spalding said. "She understands the importance of supporting businesses of all sizes while also preparing our community for the future."
Lynn has lived in Rowan County since 2021 and has held several leadership positions at Catawba College, including executive director of strategic planning. Before coming to North Carolina, she helped establish and grow a regional college campus in Ohio and led initiatives focused on student success, organizational growth and community partnerships.
She holds a Doctor of Education degree, a Master of Business Administration degree and a bachelor's degree in business marketing.
The Rowan Chamber said Lynn's experience connecting education, employers and economic development efforts positions her to build on the organization's foundation and guide its future growth.
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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 5:40 AM.