August 14, 2025 2:32pm
Greater Louisville Inc. CEO to step down at the end of her term
Louisville, Ky. (August 14, 2025) – Following almost six years of leading the region’s largest Chamber of Commerce, Sarah Davasher-Wisdom announced today that she will step down as the President and CEO of Greater Louisville Inc. later this year at the end of her term. GLI’s Board of Directors will immediately begin a national search to fill the role.
Davasher-Wisdom joined GLI in 2014, quickly working her way from vice president of government
affairs to president and CEO, the position she has held since 2020. Since she took the helm, GLI has cemented its position as the leading voice for business in the Greater Louisville region, driving initiatives that deliver measurable results and lasting impact. During this time, the organization has supported the creation of 7,403 jobs, championed pro-growth policies at the local, state, and federal levels, including working with a coalition of partners to pass state tax reform that will reduce and ultimately eliminate Kentucky’s personal income tax. GLI’s nationally recognized Live in Lou brand has grown into a best-in-class model for talent attraction, and the Power to Prosper Business Accelerator has helped more than four dozen small, underrepresented businesses scale to increase their revenue by an average of 58 percent one year after completing the program. These strategies and programs are building a stronger workforce, showcasing Greater Louisville’s unique advantages on a national scale, and advancing economic inclusion within the region.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to spend the past eleven years working for the Greater Louisville business community. I am proud of GLI’s long-standing success, which is driven by a stellar team of incredibly capable professionals. As I take the next step in my career, I look forward to watching the organization grow further in the years ahead,” said Davasher-Wisdom.
GLI’s vision and results are backed by strong community investment and organizational strength. Under her leadership, GLI had two successful capital campaigns, raising more than $7 million to fuel bold, forward-looking strategic plans. This support has secured GLI in a historically strong financial position, enabling it to continue advancing transformative initiatives that grow the regional economy and ensure Greater Louisville thrives for decades to come.
“I appreciate Sarah’s unwavering commitment to supporting a vibrant business community during her tenure and I wish her all the best. Louisville is home to amazing businesses, and GLI is critical to helping them grow and thrive. I’m confident the GLI team will continue driving this important mission forward and I look forward to working closely with a new leader in the future,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.
Davasher-Wisdom is the first woman and youngest person to ever lead GLI. She was appointed to lead the organization in February 2020 and quickly moved into action leading the business community through the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring a strong economic recovery for businesses of all sizes and industries. During her tenure, Davasher-Wisdom helped GLI secure recognition as National Chamber of the Year from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and receive consecutive five-star accreditations from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“I am thankful for Sarah’s many years of service that have led GLI to become a nationally recognized Chamber of Commerce. She has built a talented team that will continue to drive the impactful work that GLI has been highly regarded for in our community for many decades,” said Camilla Schroeder, Chair of GLI’s Board of Directors and president and owner of Advance Ready Mix. “GLI’s Board of Directors is committed to a smooth and seamless transition as we begin a national search for the next leader of the organization,”
The GLI Board will conduct a national search to identify the organization’s next CEO, engaging a professional search firm to ensure a thorough and inclusive process. Jim Allen, Vice Chair, Baird, and former Chair of GLI’s Board of Directors in 2018, will lead the search committee on behalf of the Board. Davasher-Wisdom will work closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition in leadership and continued progress on GLI’s strategic priorities.
“It is an honor to lead the selection committee for our next CEO. Greater Louisville Inc. is a trusted community partner and we look to build on the region’s many attributes and positive momentum,” Allen said.
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