Commerce Lexington President & CEO Bob Quick has announced plans to retire. His final day is targeted for July 31.

​It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve this organization and to work alongside such dedicated leaders, partners and members of our business community,” Quick said. “I’ve been fortunate to serve in the chamber of commerce/economic development profession for 37+ years. It has truly been an honor to serve 25 of those years at Commerce Lexington. The time entrusted to me has been well spent. During this span we’ve encountered growth, collaboration, challenge and progress. Together, we have strengthened relationships, championed our businesses and helped shape a thriving environment for those we serve."

I’m deeply thankful for the trust, support and shared vision that has defined these years. After careful consideration, I believe that the moment has come for me to step forward into a new season and to make space for the next generation of leadership to guide the Chamber’s path ahead. I say this with great confidence due to the strength of Commerce Lexington’s leadership and staff. The organization is vibrant, and the opportunities are immense for the future.”

​Under Quick’s leadership, the chamber of commerce, economic development and workforce entities merged in 2004. Other initiatives launched during his tenure include the nine-county Regional Competitiveness Initiative, the Commerce Lexington Foundation, Access Loan Program and Greater Lexington’s Washington D.C. Fly-In.

“Bob is a man of high integrity who knows how to pull people together to find solutions to our biggest issues,” said Commerce Lexington Board Chair Nick Nicholson, who is a member of Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC. “Lexington would not be where it is today without his tireless efforts promoting our city and region. Bob will be deeply missed, but he has attracted and mentored a phenomenal staff, and I know he will continue to serve this community in other ways.”

Quick also helped expand and enhance internal programs, including economic development tools, public policy programming and advocacy, talent attraction, strategic partnerships, marketing, and community and minority business development.

​Those improvements culminated in Commerce Lexington being named national Chamber of the Year by the Association of Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in 2016.

 Other notable awards the organization has received include: 

• Top 20 Mac Conway Economic Development Agency by Site Selection Magazine (2018, 2020 & 2021).
• Top 3 chambers of commerce by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (2014 & 2015).
• Unity Award, recognizing individuals and organizations that have carried out the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (2022)
• Commerce Lexington named Economic Development Organization of the Year by Business Facilities (2024 & 2025).
• Greater Lexington Region named a top place for business and industry (2023 & 2024), according to Site Selection Magazine’s annual rankings of the top metros based on economic development activity.

​“His leadership has been unbelievable, and he has assembled the best Chamber team in the country,” said Central Bank & Trust Co. Chairman, President and CEO Luther Deaton, who served as Commerce Lexington board chair in 2004 and 2005. “Bob’s most significant achievement has been building our regional collaboration efforts. When he first became president of the Chamber, he went out into the region and met with every official to listen and let them tell us what they needed. He always leads for the betterment of this city. Bob cares so much about people and this place we call home. I appreciate what he’s done for our community and this organization.”

Quick and his wife, Julie, plan to stay in Lexington, where all three of their children also live.

“I was on the search committee that hired Bob,” said Nick Rowe, former Kentucky American Water president and Commerce Lexington board chair in 2002. “It has been one of the best decisions that we ever made. Soon after came the task of merging three organizations, including the Chamber, Lexington United and the Partnership for Workforce Development. Bob’s leadership made that a smooth transition. Bob and his wife, Julie, have become part of the fabric of this community. Bob always has a calming voice in the storm, while fostering inclusion regionally for the betterment of all communities involved. He has led our Chamber with grace and dignity.”

​Commerce Lexington will announce details about conducting a national search for his replacement in the coming weeks.